Social Change and Family Policy in South Africa, 1930 to 1986

The family is considered one of the primary institutions of society, but is increasingly showing signs of disorganization. On the one hand families are subjected to social change and on the other hand family life is influenced by policy measures, either positively or negatively. In this report the family and family policy are conceptualized. The following family types are distinguished, namely the core family, extended family, single-parent family, reconstructed family and the common law family. Family policy is described as those measures and programmes of the policy maker directed primarily at all aspects concerning marriage and the family, as well as other measures and programmes affecting the family and family life.