Economic crisis, families, and family policy in the Baltic states, 2009–2014

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Baltijos šalys (Baltic states); Šeimos politika; Gimstamumas; Turtas; Skurdas; Politika; Baltic countries; Family policy; Fertility; Wealth; Poverty; Policy; Politics; Economic recession.

ENThe three Baltic countries experienced the most rapid population decline throughout the 1990s and 2000s in Europe. The resulting critical demographic situation motivated the governments of the Baltic states to pay more political attention to family policy issues than in the rest of Europe. The aim of the paper is to analyze the development of family policy in Baltic countries and factors that influenced it during the 2009 economic crisis. Also, the outcomes in terms of child poverty and fertility are highlighted. Results show that the economic resources and fertility level had an essential impact on family policy in the Baltic states. Economic support to families, in turn, directly alleviate the poverty level of families and indirectly influence fertility. [From the publication]

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