Parenting Council Research Clearinghouse: Library "M"
Making a Difference in Families: Research that creates change.
Author:
Robyn Munford and Jackie Sanders (eds.)
Date:
2003
Published by:
Allen and Unwin
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Making a Difference in Families discusses key approaches to research with families including action research, focus groups and participant observation. Contributors explore both qualitative and quantitative methods, and examine ways in which researchers can involve participants in the research process. Detailed case studies are provided of research in a variety of settings, and with different kinds of family situations.
Making it Work: The Impacts of Flexible Working Arrangements on New Zealand Families
Authors:
Lindy Fursman and Nita Zodgekar
Date:
2009
Published by:
Ministry of Social Development - Social Policy Journal of New Zealand
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
The demand for "quality flexible work" is increasing, both in New Zealand and internationally. However, there has been limited research in New Zealand on the family factors that influence the amount or type of flexibility needed to support families in different circumstances, or on the impacts that the use of flexible work arrangements can have on family life. This article is based on the results of research the New Zealand Families Commission undertook in 2007/08, which explored how flexible working arrangements can best support family wellbeing and the barriers and success factors relating to the take-up of flexible work. A mixed method approach was adopted, comprising 11 focus groups, 15 case study interviews, and a 15-minute telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people. Findings included the identification of a range of positive impacts that access to flexible work arrangements have for families, and the barriers to the use of flexible working arrangements. The study also found that many people choose their work to fit around family responsibilities. This article provides a summary of the research, with a focus on the findings that relate to the impact of flexible work on family life
New Zealand Sociology Journal 2005 Volume 20 Number 1
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Discussions with people in same-sex relationships reveal how secrecy is managed within families. In particular the authors explore why such relationships are kept secret from close family members , what strategies are used to keep the secret , and the risks and consequences of disclosure. The management of secrecy and disclosure is considered in light of the different social and political contexts in which lesbian women and gay men negotiate their sexual and relational identities. It is concluded that secrecy is not necessarily dysfunctional. As well as minimizing family disruption and stigma by association , secrecy facilitates control of the person’s gay or lesbian identity.
Managing Multiple Sclerosis and Motherhood - Women's stories
Author:
Debbie Payne, Kathryn McPherson and Susan Crerar
Date:
2007
Published by:
Families Commission
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system with wide-ranging effects. It is a condition that most commonly affects women of childbearing age. Until recently, women with MS were discouraged from becoming mothers but studies have found that pregnancy and birth do not negatively affect the course of MS.
There is a lack of research about MS in the New Zealand context and, in particular, about women who have MS and their experiences of becoming mothers. This research project explored the nature of pregnancy, birth and mothering young children for women with MS, and marked an important beginning to research about disabled women’s experiences of motherhood in New Zealand.
Maori family culture: a context of youth development in Counties/Manukau
Authors:
Shane Edwards, Tim McCreanor and Helen Moewaka-Barnes
Date:
2007
Published by:
New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
This paper reports on a study designed to bring the voices of young people directly into the social science literature regarding environmental influences on wellbeing. We analyse accounts from young Maori about their families and the roles families play in order to focus on strengths and positive resources for the promotion of youth wellbeing.
Measuring the Cost of Children: Concepts and Methodologies
Author:
Michelle Poland and Robyn Seth-Purdie
Date:
2005
Published by:
Families Commission
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
It is well known that it takes a substantial amount of both time and money to raise children. It is also known that the amount of time and money that parents invest in their children has some impact on the developmental outcomes for children. Child poverty is positively correlated with a number of negative child outcomes – which often persist once the child has become an adult. Because of this, the amount of time and money put into raising children is of interest in multiple areas of policy, including child poverty, benefit rates, child support payments and health and education subsidies.
Sarah Farquhar, Lance Cablk, Adam Buckingham, David Butler and Russell Ballantyne
Date:
2006
Published by:
Childforum
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Sexism is stronger than ever in the early childhood education sector. This article features articles written by four men on their experiences of being invo
Men's Participation in Unpaid Care: A Review of the Literature
Author:
Lindy Fursman and Paul Callister
Date:
2009
Published by:
Department of Labour
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
This paper summarises the results of a comprehensive literature review examining the barriers and supports for men's greater participation in unpaid care.
Methodologies for Assessing the Impact of Public Policies on Families
Author:
Jacqui True
Date:
2005
Published by:
Families Commission
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
The family is an institution that is widely valued by New Zealanders even while it takes many forms in today’s society. The
New Zealand
government recognises the foundational role of the family in many areas of public policy. There is now growing appreciation of the influence of families in relation to outcomes for individual members. Individuals, it is clear, typically do not make decisions or choices in isolation from their wider family context. In turn, families affect the implementation of policies and services and mediate their impact on individual members. Whether intended or not, government policy development and implementation can and does have an enormous impact on family life. Family-centred policy analysis increases our awareness of direct and indirect policy impacts on diverse types of families. It strives to strengthen the positive impacts of government policy on families and to avoid unintended negative consequences. By taking families into account throughout the policy process, family-centred analysis aims to ensure that policies and services are well placed to meet their objectives in order to achieve good outcomes for individuals, families and society.
Ministerial Review of targeted policies and programmes
Date:
2005
Published by:
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
In 2004 the Department of Child, Youth and Family was asked by the State Services Commission to identify any policies or programmes that it operated which were targeted on the basis of ethnicity. These were then included within a second tranche of overall government services to be reviewed by departments and the State Services Commission in order to determine whether targeting the policies or programmes in question on the basis of ethnicity remained an effective way of meeting identified needs. In all, there were 6 Child, Youth and Family programmes that needed to be examined as a part of the second tranche of work undertaken by the State Services Commission. Those programmes are: The Iwi Maori Workforce Provider Development Fund; The Pacific Peoples Provider Development Fund; The Maori Youth Contestable Fund; Te Atawhaingia Te Pa Harakeke; The Contestable Fund for Maori and Pacific Community Education to Reduce Family Violence; The Tangata Mauri Ora Trust. This report describes the process by which the review was conducted, and explains the general operating environment within which the Department of Child, Youth and Family functions.
Ministry of Education review of Parent Support and Development Programmes
Date:
2005
Published by:
Ministry of Education
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
This paper summarises the review of Parent Support and Development Programmes conducted by the Ministry of Education as part of the review of targeted policies and programmes. It also outlines the key findings of the Ministerial Review Unit’s (MRU) assessment of this review.
Michelle Poland, Andrew Cameron, Karen Wong And Michael Fletcher
Date:
2007
Published by:
Families Commission
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Between 2003 and 2004, one in 10 New Zealanders changed their family type. Understanding why families change or remain stable is important because of the impact on our government’s policies and family services. This report analyses one year of statistical family changes.
Although one in 10 New Zealanders changed their family type over 2003-2004, the majority were stable. This report analyses research from Statistics New Zealand’s Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE) to examine why some families change.
The key conclusion is that life-cycle factors such as the birth of a child, partnering, or leaving home appear to drive change in family arrangements.
