The existing "social" contract has been continuously challenged by the economic and social transformation of the last post-war period. Women are no longer confined to the role of housewives and men are not the only breadwinners. At the same time full-time, secure male jobs are increasingly scarce and many men live on unemployment benefit. Globalization and technology also impose more flexible working contracts and many require many families to live apart for shorter or longer periods of time, which may further affect the traditional unity and stability of the family.