The Political Regulation of Families: Ideology, Inequality and Gender in the Integral Plan of Support to the Family

Abstract

Family is the private institution par excellence; however, it is subject to political intervention. In this article, we reflect on the ideological components that underlie public policies affecting the family and what they mean in the context in which they are activated. We analyze the Plan Integral de Apoyo a la Familia 2015-2017, drawn up by the Spanish government. In the current phase of reactivation of neoliberal policies, the family is intended to strengthen its functions of protection and care of its members, in line with the gradual reduction of public responsibilities by the state. In this context, maternity protection is essential, since it focuses the role of women as mothers and caregivers. Thus, changes in the agenda of the family correspond to changes in the equality agenda.