This book examines the role governments play in managing policy challenges such as religion, romance, gender relations, same-sex marriages and privacy protection in response to social changes in marriage. Elizabeth van Acker asks whether governments can or should intervene in this personal sphere.

Autorentext

ELIZABETH VAN ACKER is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics and Public Policy, Griffith University, Australia. She has taught in a range of areas including Australian politics and politics and the media. In addition to marriage and relationship education, her research interests include feminist politics, and industry policies. She is the co-editor of Globalising Government Business Relations.

Inhalt
Introduction: Government and marriage: Strange Bedfellows? PART ONE: CHANGING PERCEPTIONS OF MARRIAGE The Problem of Marriage Tensions within Marriage: Public Institution or Private Choice? PART TWO: MARRIAGE EDUCATION IN THREE LIBERAL DEMOCRACIES The UK: Governments Supporting Children Australia: Government's Shifts in Supporting Marriage and Relationship Education The USA: Governments Promoting 'Healthy' Marriage PART THREE: CHALLENGES FOR GOVERNMENTS Individualism and the Private Sphere Managing the Public Policy Process Conclusions: Reinventing Marriage?