The Family and the City : A Historical Overview

This chapter investigates the intrinsic relationship between the family and urban and housing policy from the late nineteenth century until the early twenty-first century, especially in the Nordic cities. That includes understanding how cities have developed during the last 100 years, and how societal movements and policymaking has been built upon specific ideal environments for children and women. The chapter explains the evolution of the nuclear family concept, and how this family form has been reinforced by urban form. The chapter also discusses how women’s participation in work life brought up issues of how to facilitate daily life for single mothers and dual-earner family in cities. The chapter also shows that despite this the suburb has been the primary arena for family life in the twentieth century.