Broadening family literacy: A new framework for educating about family in public life

Despite decades of interdisciplinary research affirming that the family is fundamental unit of society, a gap persists in how this knowledge is communicated, particularly to younger generations. This article identifies this gap as stemming from an absence of an educational framework that translates family research into critical skills and civic competencies, enabling individuals to understand, discern, and articulate the family's enduring roles in both individual and public life. Expanding traditional family literacy beyond learning in the family, the article introduces a broader conception encompassing education about the family. It presents a new framework that establishes its conceptual and methodological approach and identifies five guiding principles. The discussion highlights key implications of family literacy and illiteracy for public understanding, family formation, intergenerational solidarity, and the recognition of the family as the foundation of society. The article concludes with recommendations for translating these insights into educational practice, equipping younger generations with the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively in public discourse and contribute to the creation of strong, sustainable families.