Look Who it Was Random video

A Family-Based Social Contract

744 views · Published 13 November 2008 · 1:25:42 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: New America · 2008 · News & Politics

Watch on YouTube

As in most campaigns, the American family was front and center in political stump speeches and photo ops leading up to the recent vote. But with the election over and a solid governing majority for the Democrats, what can we expect in terms of social policy, particularly as it relates to the hopes and dreams of families? And what are the principles that should guide policymakers in this area as they return to Washington in 2009?

The Obama Administration and their colleagues in Congress must answer several questions if they are to develop effective family-based policy:

    * How is family structure changing?
    * What are the greatest needs of American families?
    * How do our families compare with those in nations around the world?
    * How could public policy change to recognize and support children?
    * Where are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing America families?


As part of the Next Social Contract Initiative, Phillip Longman and David Gray of the New America Foundation have tackled these and other important issues and produced a paper that lays out core principles for a "Family Based Social Contract." Join us on November 13 for the release of that paper and a discussion of where the American family stands today-and where it is headed.

More from this channel