OVERVIEW
The Cross-National Studies Research Program was established in the early 1970's. As its central purpose, the Program carries out comparative social policy research in advanced industrialized countries on issues of particular concern to the United States, U.S. studies in the context of comparative studies, and U.S. studies which are outside of comparative projects. The central focus is child and family policy in the advanced industrial world, including government, employment, and private sector programs and policies, such as:

  • Income transfers for families with children
  • Maternity and parental benefits and leaves
  • Early childhood care and education
  • Social service delivery systems
  • Devolution, privatization, contracting, etc.
  • Family changes and family policy


Funding for the Cross-National Studies Research Program has been provided by both public (governmental) and private (foundation) grants.