This session previews a special issue of the Journal of Family Theory and Review that will consider what it will take for family policy to achieve firmer footing as a field of inquiry, particularly in the current political climate. What unique, value-added contributions can family researchers make to (a) the design of family policies; (b) as a means to achieve non-family policy goals; and (c) as a perspective with the potential to rise above politics and achieve common ground? What is the responsibility of universities for providing leadership on communicating high-quality and nonpartisan information to policymakers and the public?

Objectives

1) To describe what family policy is and review relevant research about it.
2) To consider different ways that universities can influence policy.
3) To review community dissonance theory and its relevance to family research and policy.