Governments and Marriage Education Policy: Perspectives from the UK, Australia and the US

by Elizabeth van Acker

Overview

This book examines the role governments play in managing policy challenges such as religion, romance, gender relations, same-sex marriages and privacy protection in response to social changes in marriage. Elizabeth van Acker asks whether governments can or should intervene in this personal sphere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230003378
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	07/11/2008
Edition description:	2008
Pages:	249
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

ELIZABETH VAN ACKER is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics and Public Policy, Griffith University, Australia. She has taught in a range of areas including Australian politics and politics and the media. In addition to marriage and relationship education, her research interests include feminist politics, and industry policies. She is the co-editor of Globalising Government Business Relations.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Government and marriage: Strange Bedfellows? PART ONE: CHANGING PERCEPTIONS OF MARRIAGE The Problem of Marriage Tensions within Marriage: Public Institution or Private Choice? PART TWO: MARRIAGE EDUCATION IN THREE LIBERAL DEMOCRACIES The UK: Governments Supporting Children Australia: Government's Shifts in Supporting Marriage and Relationship Education The USA: Governments Promoting 'Healthy' Marriage PART THREE: CHALLENGES FOR GOVERNMENTS Individualism and the Private Sphere Managing the Public Policy Process Conclusions: Reinventing Marriage?

Editorial Reviews

'...a stimulating and wide-ranging discussion of the issues surrounding government support for marriage education.' - Family and Youth Concern Bulletin

From the Publisher