House Rules: Changing Families, Evolving Norms, and the Role of the Law

The traditional family model has changed significantly, with women still playing a primary caregiving role despite increased participation in the paid workforce. House Rules explores the tension between transformation and stasis in family arrangements and how laws regulate them in four countries. It offers insights into the challenges faced by the law in adapting to changing family structures and practices and proposes solutions to promote fairness and equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

The traditional concept of the family has undergone a rapid and significant transformation, evolving from a nuclear unit to a diverse array of intimate connections. Simultaneously, certain norms persist, such as women's continued responsibility as primary care providers despite their increased participation in paid work. This juxtaposition of transformation and stagnation in family arrangements exerts a profound influence on various aspects of daily life, encompassing economic, emotional, and legal dimensions.

House Rules, a thought-provoking collection of essays, delves into the intricate interplay between norms and laws that shape familial relationships. The authors in this insightful anthology examine four countries: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan. Through their exploration, they unveil the deeply ingrained and often contested norms that impact families and the role of law in regulating them.

Over the past few decades, the law has encountered significant challenges in adapting to the evolving dynamics of family life. House Rules offers valuable tools for analyzing these complexities and, ultimately, for designing laws that can effectively respond to ongoing change while mitigating the perpetuation of inequalities.

The traditional family structure, characterized by a married couple with children, has been challenged by a range of factors, including divorce rates, single-parent families, same-sex relationships, and blended families. These changes have led to a reevaluation of legal definitions and rights, such as marriage, custody, and adoption. The law has played a crucial role in shaping these developments, providing legal recognition and protection for diverse family forms.

However, the legal landscape is not without its complexities. Norms and laws can perpetuate inequalities and discrimination within families. For instance, gender roles and stereotypes continue to influence legal outcomes, with women often facing barriers in accessing equal rights and resources. Moreover, issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and alimony have been subject to legal interpretations that may favor men over women.

House Rules aims to address these challenges by providing a platform for critical analysis and innovative legal solutions. The essays in the collection offer diverse perspectives and insights into the complexities of family law and its impact on individuals and society. They explore the role of law in promoting equality, protecting rights, and fostering inclusive family arrangements.

One of the key themes in House Rules is the importance of legal recognition and protection for diverse family forms. The authors argue that legal recognition not only affirms the legitimacy of different family structures but also provides essential protections and benefits to families. For example, legal marriage provides couples with legal rights and responsibilities, such as property ownership, inheritance, and health care. Legal recognition also enables families to access social benefits, such as child support, social security, and health insurance.

Furthermore, the authors emphasize the need for legal frameworks that promote gender equality and support the rights of women. They argue that laws should address issues such as domestic violence, reproductive rights, and equal pay for equal work. Legal frameworks should also provide support for single-parent families, blended families, and LGBTQ+ families, ensuring that they have access to the same rights and resources as traditional families.

Another important theme in House Rules is the role of law in promoting family stability and well-being. The authors argue that laws should prioritize the interests of children and promote family harmony. They suggest that laws should provide for fair and equitable custody arrangements, support parental rights, and address issues such as child abuse and neglect. Legal frameworks should also promote family communication and conflict resolution, ensuring that families have the tools to resolve disputes and maintain healthy relationships.

In conclusion, House Rules is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of family law and its impact on individuals and society. The collection offers a critical analysis of the interplay between norms and laws that shape familial relationships and provides innovative legal solutions to address the challenges faced by families. By promoting legal recognition and protection for diverse family forms, gender equality, and family stability, House Rules contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774867399