Family Living Environment

Existential Field 4: Family and Living Environment

The report on Family and Living Environment has been written by Epp Reiska, Ellu Saar & Karl Viilmann at the Institute of International and Social Studies, Tallinn University in Estonia.

Keywords: economic situation, education, employment, neighbourhood, housing, natural environment.

Abstract: The aim of the first part of the existential field number four “Family and Living Environment” is to cover the wide area of issues related to the living environment of families. The spectrum of themes is wide because there are several ways of understanding the notion environment, which all have an important effect on the lives of families.

Firstly, economic conditions and indicators for education and employment across Europe are examined, and the impact that the discovered variations can have on the different types of families are described. These areas however seem to encompass only one way of understanding environment, leaving out the direct physical characteristics, which also have extensive shaping effect on the everyday lives of families by imposing constraints and providing opportunities. Therefore themes like housing and neighbourhood, access to green areas and existence of clean water and air, are also covered.

Download and Comment

Please find available to download the summary and the full working reports (to the left of this text). The Summary highlights key points and findings of the work, whilst the Full Report should be read by those wanting a more in-depth knowledge of the subject area.

Stakeholders are invited to comment on the report, making reference to their own findings and policies as appropriate; these critical comments will be analysed and processed as part of the Critical Review of the Existing Research on Families. Please note that only registered stakeholders are able to comment and download the full reports. To register, click here.