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Family Policy in South Africa

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Handbook of Family Policies Across the Globe

Abstract

South Africa, like many other African countries, does not have an explicit family policy. What the country has, though, is an enabling legislative and policy framework. This chapter discusses this framework within three broad categories: that targeting marriage, that related to child-rearing and work-family balance and that aimed at supporting families at risk. It is shown that the latter, provided in the form of social grants, is the government’s key initiative in addressing the livelihood challenges of vulnerable family members, specifically older person, children and people with disabilities. The social assistance system is not, however, without weakness and challenges. These are discussed and the recommendations to address them are proposed.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This was a system of racial segregation enforced through legislation by the National Party governments, who were the ruling party from 1948 to 1994, of South Africa, under which the rights of the majority Black inhabitants and other groups of South Africa were curtailed and White supremacy was maintained (Gallagher, 2002).

  2. 2.

    Under apartheid, the South African population was classified into four main ‘race groups’: African, Coloured, Indian and White. This classification is used in this chapter against this background, with no derogatory intentions.

  3. 3.

     Apartheid: Separate Development Policy—Infoplease.comhttp://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0856653.html#ixzz22xV1Drha

  4. 4.

    A Green Paper can be described as a consultation document issued by the government which contains policy proposals for debate and discussion before a final decision is taken on the best policy option. A Green Paper will often contain several alternative policy options (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/82326.stm).

  5. 5.

    A White Paper is used as a means of presenting government policy preferences prior to the introduction of legislation. Its publication serves to test the climate of public opinion regarding a policy issue and enables the government to gauge its probable impact (Chapin & Deneau, 1978).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa

    Zitha Mokomane Ph.D.

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  1. Zitha Mokomane Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Zitha Mokomane Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Family Studies, City University of New Y, Queens College, Kissena Blvd. 65-30, Flushing, 11367-1597, New York, USA

    Mihaela Robila

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Mokomane, Z. (2014). Family Policy in South Africa. In: Robila, M. (eds) Handbook of Family Policies Across the Globe. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6771-7_5

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