The Failure of Child Support: Gendered Systems of Inaccessibility, Inaction and Irresponsibility

This book explores how child support systems often fail to transfer payments from separated fathers to mothers and their children, rendering them ineffective and positioning women as responsible for their failures. It charts the demise of child support as a feminist intervention and resituates it as gendered governance practice that operates by making the system inaccessible, failing to deliver outcomes, and condoning fathers' irresponsibility. It identifies how the gender order is entrenched through child support failure and offers possibilities for feminist reform.

Format: Hardback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Drawing on extensive interviews with informants from a diverse range of 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Norway, Peru, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Nigeria, this book delves into the pervasive shortcomings of child support systems, particularly in their failure to effectively transfer payments from separated fathers to mothers and their children. It uncovers the structural flaws within these systems that render them ineffective, while simultaneously placing the responsibility for their failures on women. The book charts the decline of child support as a feminist intervention, repositioning it as a gendered governance practice that operates by making the system inaccessible, failing to deliver desired outcomes, and condoning fathers' irresponsibility. It identifies the deep-rooted gender order that is perpetuated through child support failure and presents opportunities for feminist reform.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the complexities surrounding child support systems, shedding light on their historical development, current practices, and the impact they have on families. Through in-depth interviews with legal experts, policymakers, and individuals who have experienced the child support system firsthand, the author provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by both mothers and fathers in this realm.

One of the key findings of the book is that child support systems are often designed in ways that prioritize the financial interests of fathers over the well-being of children. The author argues that this approach fails to recognize the diverse needs of families and perpetuates gender stereotypes and biases. For example, women are often expected to take on the primary responsibility for caring for children, while fathers are often viewed as breadwinners and responsible for providing financial support.

However, the book also highlights the ways in which women can be empowered through the child support system. By advocating for their rights and seeking legal assistance, women can ensure that they receive the financial support they are entitled to for their children. Moreover, the book emphasizes the importance of community-based support systems, such as social welfare programs and mentorship programs, that can help women navigate the complexities of the child support system and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.

Another critical aspect of the book is its examination of the impact of child support failure on children. The author argues that children who do not receive adequate financial support from their fathers are at a significant disadvantage, particularly in terms of their educational and social development. Children from low-income families are more likely to experience poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare, which can have long-term consequences for their overall well-being.

To address these issues, the book proposes a range of feminist reform measures that can improve the child support system. These include increasing the availability of legal aid and resources for women seeking to navigate the child support system, promoting gender equality in family law and policy, and developing more comprehensive support programs for families in need.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about child support systems and their impact on families. By challenging the dominant narratives and advocating for feminist reform, the author provides a roadmap for creating a more equitable and supportive child support system that prioritizes the well-being of children and promotes gender equality.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447348863