Page 37 - 2023_Jour_89-5

Increasing Undergraduates’ Social Action

in a Family Policy Course Through Critical

Science-Focused Instructional Strategies

By Cynthia L. Miller

In this action research project, the author sought to improve the quality of the educative process
in an undergraduate family policy course, specifically by examining the implementation of
four critical science-focused instructional strategies: gap analysis, family impact lens, practical
reasoning framework, and feedback from a professional/community panel of experts. The
research was based on constructivist grounded theory, i.e., on the experiences and perspectives
of the research participants. Data regarding the impact of these strategies on students’ critical
literacy skills and beliefs in their ability to have an impact on family policymaking were collected
and analyzed using their critical self-reflection essays and the instructor’s observations over a
period of 4 years. The analysis revealed four themes that aligned with the knowledge, skills, and
beliefs citizens should possess to take effective social action on perennial and emerging family
issues. This research has important implications for increasing students’ confidence and critical
literacy skills.

ne of the umbrella areas of public policy that can change the beliefs of people is
Ofamily policy, a subfield of social policy that is fundamentally concerned with
the family as the basic social institution of all modern societies (Bogenschneider,
2014). Zimmerman (1995) defined family policy as “a collection of separate but
interrelated policy choices that aim to address problems that families are perceived
as experiencing in society” (p. 3). The family policy area can include a wide range
of issues, such as parental leave, childcare subsidies, education policies, healthcare
policies, and social welfare programs. The main goal of family policy is to ensure
that families have the resources and support they need to raise healthy, happy, and
successful children (Bogenschneider, 2014).
Understanding family policy is important in society today for several reasons
(Bogenschneider et al., 2012; Bogenschneider, 2014):
1. Supporting families: Family policy is essential for supporting families,
especially those facing economic, social, or health-related challenges. Policies
relating to affordable childcare, parental leave, and healthcare subsidies can help
families access the resources they need to thrive.
2. Promoting child development: Family policy can promote healthy child
development by providing access to high-quality education, healthcare, and social
services. Raising healthy, well-educated children is critical for building a strong
society.
3. Addressing inequality: Family policy can help address inequality resulting
from system barriers such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to resources.
Policies that address such inequalities can help level the playing field and provide
opportunities for all children to succeed.
4. Boosting economic growth: Family policy can boost economic growth
by enabling parents to work while also caring for their children. Policies such as
parental leave and affordable childcare can help parents stay in the workforce, which
in turn can contribute to economic growth.

Educators’ Choice 35