Family Law in Action: Divorce and Inequality in Quebec and France

The right to divorce is a symbol of individual liberty and gender equality, but in practice, it is anything but equitable. Family Law in Action reveals the class and gender inequalities embedded in the process of separation and its aftermath in Quebec and France. Emilie Biland's research shows that inequalities after breakups are driven by access to the law and justice, interactions with legal professionals, and the ways these two factors shape lifestyle and standard of living. The study encourages governments to make good on the emancipatory promise enshrined in divorce law.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

The right to divorce holds significant importance as a symbol of individual liberty and gender equality under the law. However, in practice, the divorce process often fails to achieve true equity. This is evident in the book "Family Law in Action," which delves into the class and gender inequalities inherent in separation and its aftermath in Quebec and France. Through empirical research conducted on their respective court and welfare systems, Emilie Biland examines how men and women in both countries navigate the legal system and its representatives, which ultimately impacts their personal and professional lives. While gender inequality may be less pronounced in Quebec compared to France, class inequality remains stark. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms driving inequalities after breakups are remarkably similar in both national contexts. These mechanisms include access to legal services and justice, interactions with legal professionals, and the ways in which these factors shape lifestyle and standard of living.

"Family Law in Action" is a rigorous yet compassionate study that calls upon governments to fulfill the emancipatory promise inherent in divorce law. The book sheds light on the experiences of individuals going through divorce and highlights the need for systemic changes to address the inequalities that exist within the legal system. It emphasizes the importance of promoting gender equality, social justice, and economic empowerment to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to fair and equitable divorce proceedings.

In conclusion, "Family Law in Action" serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice. Through its detailed analysis of divorce law and its impact on individuals' lives, the book highlights the need for systemic reforms to address the inequalities that exist within the legal system. It encourages governments to prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved in divorce proceedings and work towards creating a more equitable and just society.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774866446