The so-called "family values" debate over whether traditional two-parent families are best for American children and society overall took a sharp and unexpected turn after President Clinton took office, says a UC Davis family sociologist. Instead of abating with Democrats in the White House, the debate shifted, with voices advocating a return to two-parent families now coming from the ranks of social scientists and academics and even those with political ties to the Democratic Leadership Council's Progressive Policy Institute, notes UC Davis professor Judith Stacey. Stacey is the author of "Brave New Families: Stories of Domestic Upheaval in late 20th Century America." "The rush to a consensus on family values is frightening and premature. We need, instead, to develop family politics relative to the diversity that is the American situation," Stacey says. For example, pro-family measures Stacey suggests include flexible work schedules and benefits, universal health care, marital and custody rights for homosexuals, revitalized public education and pay equity.