The family support system in Lithuania: experts’ views and citizens’ evaluations

Abstract

This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges that the contemporary public family support system experience in Lithuania. It draws conclusions based on 10 expert interviews conducted with social policy makers and researchers as well as a national-wide survey conducted in December 2018. The findings show that in Lithuania, policies which address gender equality such as parental leave policies are highly appreciated and needed by the population. However, they have to be backed up by care services and other flexible work arrangements in order to make them sustainable in the future. In Lithuania, the emphasis on means-testing in family support system does not prove to be a sustainable strategy. Despite the long-lasting tradition in supporting