Strengthening the family to participate in development

Based on an extensive review of the social change, economic, psychological, and development assistance literature on the family, along with analysis of data from Indonesia and Nigeria, this report describes the characteristics of healthy families. Structural equations with latent variable models are created in order to explore the factors (material and social resources, cultural values, family-level care, and developmental outcomes) that comprise family social health. Findings seem to refute the popular notion that programs targeted exclusively at children or exclusively at improving family resources can ensure children"s healthy development and economic improvement. Study results suggest, rather, that family social health combined with adequate educational opportunity are the strongest determinants of a child"s preparation for living. For the purposes of development assistance, four dimensions of social wellness are identified: family management; caring capacity; beliefs, rules, and goals; and structural integrity. It is recommended that the international donor community support: a revitalization of family policy, laws, and values; social entitlements for the poor; and early child development and educational enhancement programs at the grassroots level.