Content and Objectives

The DIALOG project is based on the Population Policy Acceptance Study (PPAS), a comparative survey of attitudes and opinions concerning demographic changes, demographic behaviours and population related policies in European countries. It contributes to the dialogue-based modernisation of social protection by addressing key areas of risk-reducing policies, programmes and services from the viewpoint of individual citizens and policy actors. This project promotes dialogue, capacity building and networking in the area of public policies towards families (in view of changing patterns of family formation and dissolution) and public provisions and family care towards the elderly (in view of population ageing).

The study is a comprehensive analysis of population related policies which builds on but also extends beyond the area of publicly funded family policies and addresses also within-family strategies. It addresses practices and aspirations of men and women regarding family life in ageing societies and the perception of life chances regarding paid work in an increasingly more competitive and demanding labour market. It takes into account both the viewpoint of citizens and policy actors regarding the management of population related changes, caring functions of families and mediating role of the welfare state.

The overarching objective of the DIALOG project is the analysis based on cross-sectional survey data on European’s practices, attitudes and opinions concerning demographic changes, fertility behaviour, intergenerational exchange of resources and services, and population related policies. The study aims to analyse values and attitudes affecting fertility decisions, perception of advantages and disadvantages of having children, meaning of family and parenthood, preferences and aspirations regarding gender roles, paid labour and family life, aspirations in life, opinions and attitudes towards seniors and population ageing, role of government in providing support to families and the elderly.

At the policy level, a systematic comparative analysis of the acceptance of existing population policy measures and expectations regarding future is expected to provide informed basis for the development of integrated population policies through active participation of citizens in shaping their own family-related choices in a more family-friendly environment. Dialogue between policy actors, citizens’ associations and individuals is expected to promote democratic decision processes regarding population policy formation and improve governance. Scientific results are expected to bring the broadening of the theoretical knowledge about the impact of population policies on individual behaviour and the interaction between attitudes, expectations and behaviour. The results relate both to empirical concerns and impetus for the verification and construction of theories concerning the inter-relationship between fertility behaviour, within-family transfers of resources and care, gender equity and public policies. In view of the participation of several associated countries the project addresses capacity-building and is expected to be of policy relevance for the ongoing enlargement process.