Polityka społeczna wobec problemów rodziny

The article presented here describes an ongoing debate in, among other fields, contemporary social policy about the condition and current model of the family. It is demonstrated that while sources of change should be sought in the economic emancipation of women, they are found most of all in the development of democracy, which does not tolerate any fixed division of roles. On the other side, various opinions in this dispute are the reflection of relevant beliefs and values. The most representative of these are presented. An important component of this discussion of the family are arguments for and against a crisis in it. Finally, the last group of issues raised represents thoughts regarding institutional opportunities for support of and compensation for the family. This is an important issue, in particular if social policy and what is within its scope are no longer conducted solely on the basis of the assumption that personal commitments should focus on the institution of marriage. The point is therefore the question of the role of social policy, especially of family policy.