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Parental Rights in Diverse Family Contexts: Current Legal Developments *
Author(s) -
Skinner Denise A.,
Kohler Julie K.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
family relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1741-3729
pISSN - 0197-6664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2002.00293.x
Subject(s) - ambivalence , perspective (graphical) , family law , political science , law , sociology , psychology , social psychology , artificial intelligence , computer science
Here, we review case law as it applies to parental rights. Specifically, we examine two issues: (a) Who has been awarded the right to parent? and (b) What rights have been bestowed to parents? The review demonstrates how family law in the United States reflects and perpetuates society's ambivalence about family structure and, subsequently, parental rights and responsibilities. On the basis of this analysis, we recommend a broadened legal perspective that not only communicates society's expectation of responsible parenting but, in addition, gives legal recognition to diverse family forms in which members carry out these responsibilities.