Political Context of Family Impact Analysis

摘要

Implicit assumptions concerning the nature of the political environment in which the process of family impact analysis and social accounting takes place are explored. The unique contribution of a social scientist as an impact analyst is discussed, and how this role goes beyond program evaluation research is described. The potential influence of family impact statements on policy are also discussed. Knowledge about the political climate has several important implications for social scientists who are involved in family impact analysis and research: (1) professional preparation for analysis tasks may require different training from or in addition to that provided in graduate schools; (2) it is necessary to assess patterns of use or nonuse of social science research at all levels of government and in private policymaking circles; (3) it is important to identify family advocates, whether they be particular persons, such as legislators, or groups, such as social service agencies, voluntary agencies, and grass roots movements; and (4) for the individual interested in working in family impact analysis, the key step is the affiliation decisions (Where should he locate himself to conduct family policy or impact research in lines with his values, methodological competence and need to be heard). Historical trends in the development and use of family impact analysis are reviewed, and consequences of such analysis are assessed. A list of references is provided.