A Research Brief Prepared for the University of Texas at Austin Population Research Center Research Brief Series Daniel Grossman, Kari White, Kristine Hopkins, and Joseph E. Potter Introduction In 2013, the Texas legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2, a law that restricted access to medication abortion, banned abortions after 20 weeks “post-fertilization,” required doctors who […]
Topics of Expertise: Feminism & Families / Fertility,Reproduction & Sexual Health / Reproductive HealthPublic Policy
Public Policy
Is Dropping out of High School More Likely after Stressful Life Events?

A Research Brief Prepared for the University of Texas at Austin Population Research Center Research Brief Series Veronique Dupéré, Eric Dion, Tama Leventhal, Isabelle Archambault, Robert Crosnoe, and Michel Janosz Introduction High school dropout is associated with negative individual and social consequences. For example, dropping out of high school can lead to long-term economic […]
Topics of Expertise: Child Welfare / Children / Economic Inequality / Trauma and DisasterThe Parenthood “Happiness Penalty”: The Effects of Social Policies in 22 Countries

A Brief Report Prepared for the University of Texas at Austin Population Research Center Jennifer Glass, Robin W. Simon and Matthew A. Andersson Introduction A large body of research has established that parents are less happy than nonparents. The main explanation for this “happiness penalty” is that stressors associated with parenthood – time and […]
Topics of Expertise: Parenthood: Motherhood/Fatherhood / Public Policy / Work & FamilyStephanie Coontz Weighs In On Ivanka Trump’s Defense of Paid Family Leave

In a letter to The Wall Street Journal, Ivanka Trump defended the Trump administration’s proposed family leave program, stating that it is not an “entitlement” program, but an “investment” in working families. In a new opinion piece for CNN, CCF Director of Research Stephanie Coontz takes a look at Ivanka Trump’s claims and concludes that, […]
Topics of Expertise: Child Welfare / Family Caregiving (for Adults, Children, and Disabilities) / TANF & Public AssistanceThe Frontlines of Welfare Reform: Why Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Programs Succeed or Fail
The Frontlines of Welfare Reform: Why Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Programs Succeed or Fail A briefing paper prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families by Jennifer Randles, Assistant Professor of Sociology, California State University, Fresno “Marriage is the foundation of a successful society.” “Promotion of responsible fatherhood and motherhood is integral to successful child rearing […]
Topics of Expertise: Marriage & Divorce / Parenthood: Motherhood/Fatherhood / TANF & Public AssistanceIs TANF Working for Struggling Millennial Parents?
A briefing paper prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families by Shawn Fremstad, JD, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and Senior Research Associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of either organization. August 22, 2016 Millennial […]
Topics of Expertise: Economic Inequality / TANF & Public AssistanceWelfare Reform’s 20th Anniversary
Welfare Reform’s 20th Anniversary A briefing paper prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families by Stephanie Coontz, Professor of History and Family Studies, The Evergreen State College August 22, 2016 Twenty years ago this month, Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which repealed the cash assistance program, Aid to […]
Topics of Expertise: History & Trends on Gender, Marriage & Family Life / TANF & Public AssistanceWelfare Reform at 20. How’s that working for you?
Welfare Reform at 20. How’s that working? Overview of the Welfare Reform at 20 Online Symposium prepared for Council on Contemporary Families by symposium editor Virginia Rutter, Professor of Sociology, Framingham State University. CCF’s Online Symposium examines the origins, progress, and future of welfare reform. August 22, 2016. Twenty years ago, President Bill Clinton proposed […]
Topics of Expertise: History & Trends on Gender, Marriage & Family Life / TANF & Public Assistance / Work & FamilyWelfare Reform Attitudes and Single Mothers’ Employment after 20 Years
Welfare Reform Attitudes and Single Mothers’ Employment after 20 Years A briefing paper prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families by Philip Cohen, Professor of Sociology, University of Maryland. August 22, 2016 The welfare reform bill that emerged in 1996, after a back-and-forth struggle between President Bill Clinton and the Congress (both houses of which […]
Topics of Expertise: TANF & Public Assistance / Work & FamilyTANF Policy to Address Low, Volatile Income among Disadvantaged Families
A briefing paper prepared for Council on Contemporary Families by Bradley Hardy, Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Policy, American University. August 22, 2016 On the 20th anniversary of Welfare Reform, it is worthwhile considering the economic conditions facing today’s low-income individuals and families, and the welfare programs they can utilize for assistance. By many […]
Topics of Expertise: TANF & Public AssistanceEXPERTS
Professor of Economics, School of Public Policy UMass Amherst; Williams Institute UCLA
Senior Sociologist, RAND Corporation; Professor of Sociology and Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School
Assistant Professor of Family, Health, and Policy in the Department of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah
Director of Research and Public Education, Council on Contemporary Families; Professor, The Evergreen State College
Associate Research Scientist, University of Michigan Institute for Social Research
PhD Professor and Co-Chair of the College of Environmental Science, University of Missouri
Associate Professor and Faculty Director of the Master of Science in Social Policy program, University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice
Assistant Professor, Illinois State University
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani Professor of Communication, Professor of Psychology, and Professor of Human Development and Social Policy, Professor of Medical Social Sciences Director, Center on Media and Human Development School of Communication Chair, Department of Communication Studies
Professor of Family & Consumer Studies and Adjunct Professor of Sociology, University of Utah

