Everyday life and well-being of families
Background and objective
One of the central tasks of the ifb is to carry out continuous and long-term research on the living conditions of families, the ways of family life and the needs of families as well as changes in these living conditions and ways of life.
Everyday life in families is structured by society: by how family members act and by the relationships between family members. Well-being is broadly understood as material, physiological and psychological aspects of the quality of family life and their individual members. It is the result as well as the prerequisite for interrelated action.
The research work at the ifb deals with the structures, the normative conditions, and the changes in everyday life for families in Germany and in international comparison. In doing so, we take account of the fact that the framework conditions for everyday action, for example gender-specific options or restrictions, change over the course of life. At the same time, we examine the connections between family structures, everyday family life and the well-being of families.
Current top priorities
These are the focal points within the research area ‘Everyday life and wellbeing of families’:
1. the division of labour within the family
2. the balance between family and work, the resulting conflicts and the related health situation of women and men
3. housing, family income and material well-being
The projects and focal points are checked annually for their potential and changed, if necessary.
Scientific Approach
Our research follows analytic-empirical approach and is based on quantitative or qualitative secondary or primary data. The basis is a life course perspective which is empirically addressed at best with longitudinal data. We consider different phases of life (from childhood to old age) as well as specific transitions such as household formation, parenting, separation, or retirement. A specific focus is on socioemographic inequalities and dynamics of everyday family life and wellbeing, for example by gender, education, or migration background.
Transfer to science and political work
It is our primary goal to publish our research in refereed journals. We also publish policy reports; in this respect, our consulting work is based on high-quality and internationally recognized research. The public is also informed about our research in a suitable form.
