Chapter 8: Families, Family Values, and Intergenerational Relations in France Today¹

Apart from some conservative circles—like the ones that initiated the demonstrations against the law on marriage for all (marriage for same sex couples)—it has become difficult to speak of the family in the singular form today as family life has become more complex and diversified during the last 50 years. Nevertheless, family ties remain strong, even beyond separations and new couple formation. Due to population aging and the increase in life expectancy, family relations include now a greater number of generations than in the past. In the present chapter, we explore contemporary families in France in terms of demographic trends, economic and social situation, and the challenges these developments represent for family and social policies. Based on surveys on views and values, we examine how family values and intergenerational solidarity have developed, particularly in light of the changes that have affected gender relations within couples. We examine the questions politics are facing in light of the aging of the population, the debates on this issue and the responses to them in order to create a new social contract between the generations. In conclusion, we identify some research gaps on the issue and propose new lines of research.