Question 1

In 2011, the Defense of Marriage Act was upheld by the justice department as a constitutional extension of the Equal Protection Clause.

Accepted Answer

In 2011, the Obama administration announced that it would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court, as they believed it to be unconstitutional. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down DOMA as a violation of the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Question 2

A policy or program is only as good as its implementation dimensions. What are the eight implementation dimensions that determine how families will be affected by programs and policies?

Accepted Answer

1. Accessibility: This dimension refers to how easily families can access the program or policy. Barriers such as physical location, cost, or language can affect accessibility.

2. Affordability: The cost of the program or policy can have a significant impact on families. Affordability includes not only the direct cost of the program but also any associated costs such as transportation or childcare.

3. Acceptability: The extent to which families are willing to accept and participate in the program or policy. Cultural, social, and personal beliefs can influence acceptability.

4. Appropriateness: This dimension considers whether the program or policy is suitable for the specific needs and circumstances of the families it is intended to serve.

5. Adequacy: The adequacy of the program or policy refers to whether it provides enough support or resources to meet the needs of families.

6. Awareness: Families need to be aware of the program or policy in order to benefit from it. This dimension considers the level of awareness and understanding among the target population.

7. Accountability: This dimension refers to the responsibility of those implementing the program or policy to ensure that it is carried out effectively and ethically.

8. Adaptability: The ability of the program or policy to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of families over time. This dimension considers whether the program can evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.

Question 3

Policy is said to create the conditions in which families operate. Give exampes of how family functioning is shaped by the policy context.

Accepted Answer

Policy can have a significant impact on the functioning of families in various ways. For example, policies related to parental leave and childcare can directly affect how parents balance work and family responsibilities. In countries where there are generous parental leave policies and affordable childcare options, families may have an easier time managing work and caregiving duties. On the other hand, in places where such policies are lacking, families may struggle to find adequate support, leading to increased stress and strain on family dynamics.

Additionally, policies related to education can also shape family functioning. For instance, access to quality education and resources for children can impact a family's overall well-being and future opportunities. In areas with strong educational policies and funding, families may have more confidence in their children's future prospects and be better equipped to support their academic success. Conversely, in regions with inadequate educational policies, families may face barriers to accessing quality education, leading to disparities in opportunities and outcomes for their children.

Furthermore, healthcare policies can also play a role in shaping family functioning. Access to affordable healthcare and insurance coverage can impact a family's physical and financial well-being. In places where there are comprehensive healthcare policies, families may have better access to necessary medical services and be less burdened by healthcare costs. Conversely, in areas with limited healthcare policies, families may face challenges in accessing essential healthcare services, leading to increased stress and financial strain.

Overall, the policy context can significantly influence how families operate and function. By creating supportive and inclusive policies, governments can help alleviate some of the burdens that families face, ultimately contributing to healthier and more stable family dynamics.

Question 4

How do local policies affect family structure and function? Give examples.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Some scholars argue that policies should be developed based on statistical data on children. How can you reconcile that view with the family focus that is being advanced by Bogenschneider with this book?

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Question 6

Give two reasons it is difficult for researchers to measure family properties.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Name three statistical methods that are best suited to analyzing family relationships.

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Question 8

Which two theories comprise the ecological family systems theory and highlight developmental and societal influences on families?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Name three of Minuchin's family functions that are most relevant to federal and state policy.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Is policymaking necessarily limited to lawmakers? If not, who else bears the responsibility of policymaking?

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Question 11

What is the problem with the way the Census Bureau collects data regarding poverty?

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Question 12

Give three examples of local entities controlling the enactment of policies that affect families.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Is constitutional autonomy beneficial or detrimental to family rights? Why?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Marriage and Family Therapists are the only recognized mental health service providers that are not covered by Medicare.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Despite efforts to change this, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are still not covered by Medicare as recognized mental health service providers. This means that seniors who rely on Medicare for their healthcare coverage cannot access MFT services unless they pay out-of-pocket or have supplemental insurance coverage.

Question 15

Some policies may discourage low-income families from marrying due to the loss of benefits that comes with combined incomes.

Accepted Answer

Some means-tested benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are based on household income. If low-income individuals decide to marry someone with a similar income, their combined income may exceed the eligibility threshold, causing them to lose some or all of their benefits. This may discourage them from getting married to avoid losing those benefits.

Question 16

Most children's education policies are decided on the federal level.

Accepted Answer

Education in the United States is primarily a responsibility of state and local governments, with the federal government playing a supporting role through funding initiatives and policy guidance. Therefore, most children's education policies are decided on the state and local level, not the federal level.

Question 17

Rigorous statutes are in place which ensure that nearly 100% of employers nationwide strictly adhere to and formally notify employees of their Family and Medical Leave Act benefits.

Accepted Answer

While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides job protection for eligible employees who need time off for qualifying reasons, not all employers are required to provide paid leave or formally notify their employees of their FMLA benefits. Compliance with the FMLA can also vary by state and employer size. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that nearly 100% of employers nationwide strictly adhere to and formally notify employees of their FMLA benefits.

Question 18

The workplace is one area where additional policies for family protection of rights is unnecessary.

Accepted Answer

The workplace is an area where additional policies for family protection of rights are necessary in order to ensure that working parents are able to balance their responsibilities at work and at home. This can include policies such as paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and support for childcare. Without these policies, employees may struggle to manage their family responsibilities and may experience negative effects on their mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.

Question 19

Even though family policy is lacking in practice and implementation, ironically, it is a heavily researched subject that has been a primary feature in social science journals throughout the last century.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Policymakers base policy decisions on both explicit, well-established theories and implicit assumptions of social issues.

Accepted Answer

Policymakers use both explicit theories and implicit assumptions to make decisions. Explicit theories are well-established and supported by evidence, while implicit assumptions are often taken for granted and not tested. Policymakers may also use a combination of both to make decisions.

Quiz 3: Policies and Practices Biased Toward Individual Rights Over Family Responsibilities