Family policy in South Africa
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: South African 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 as proposed.
DOI: 10.14749/32388036
Author: Human Sciences Research Council
Language: English
Topic: Social Policies and Family
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Human Sciences Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W7162194990
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