Preventive family education in a transitional welfare context: public perceptions, institutional capacity, and gender perspectives in North Macedonia.

Family education (FE) is a preventive measure aimed at maintaining and promoting family stability throughout all family life cycles. The aim of our research was to examine the survey participants' perceptions of the importance and availability of FE, and to assess the actual capacity of relevant institutions to implement FE programs. We used a quantitative approach through an online questionnaire, combined with a mapping of institutions offering FE programs. The sample consisted of 514 respondents and 20 institutions that offered family support. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cronbach's alpha to assess reliability and chi-square to examine differences in the gender perspective of FE. Survey respondents expressed broad support for FE as a preventive measure, especially before marriage, as well as maintaining healthy family communication and relational stability. However, respondents and the mapped institutions indicate very low institutional support and a lack of FE programs. The findings indicate that although FE is highly accepted among the surveyed respondents, its integration into social policy and the institutional system remains limited. Currently, its function is directed reactively towards minimizing the consequences of already existing dysfunctional patterns in the family, instead of developing and maintaining its preventive function.