Social Policy Trends: The Holidays and Social Policy Issues

Abstract

Most social trends show little in the way of monthly variation. Rates of poverty and measures of inequality show little in the way of variation from one month to another. However, some issues of concern to social policy advocates, researchers, and governments take a noticeable turn during the holiday season. Favourable breaks in these trends remind us that the choices we make, when coordinated and acted upon simultaneously, can have noticeable effects on the lives of individuals and families in need.