Description
Book SynopsisInvestigates social parents people who function as parents but who may not be recognized as such
in the eyes of the law
What makes a person a parent? Around the world, same-sex couples are raising children; parents are separating and re-partnering, creating blended families; and children are living with grandparents, family friends, and other caregivers. In these situations, there is often an adult who acts like a parent but who is unconnected to the child through biogenetics, marriage, or adoptionthe common paths for establishing legal parenthood. In many countries, this person is called a social parent. Psychologically, and especially from a child's point of view, a social parent is a parent. But the legal status of a social parent is hotly debated.
Social Parenthood in Comparative Perspective considers how the law doesand how it shouldrecognize social parenthood. The book begins with a psychological account of social parenthood, establishing the impo
Trade Review
"
Provides a groundbreaking overview of social parenthood… The book is truly global in scope:
it includes perspectives from psychology, sociology, and the law, and it draws on experts from
nine countries. It offers a fascinating analysis of how the law approaches, and should approach
these relationships, and it is destined to become a classic work in understanding social
parenthood.
" * Naomi Cahn, University of Virginia School of Law *
"
Social parenthood is one of the most important issues that family law is confronting in countries
today. Further, countries are approaching this issue in vastly disparate ways. The contributors
present compelling and complementary legal analysis and insights as to how nine countries
address social parenthood, underscoring the necessity for law to adjust to new iterations of
families.
" * Maxine Eichner, Graham Kenan Distinguished Professor of Law, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill *
"
By examining across the countries of North America and Europe whether and how laws value
those relationships, Social Parenthood in Comparative Perspective makes a unique and long-
overdue contribution. Comparing same-sex couples, stepparents, and non-parental primary
caregivers within and among countries, this book is an invaluable resource to anyone who thinks
about the meaning of family.
" * Nancy D. Polikoff, author, Beyond (Straight and Gay) Marriage: Valuing All Families Under the Law *
"
Timely and engaging, the comparative and interdisciplinary aspects of this volume offer many
valuable contributions to the ongoing conversation about legal recognition of what the book calls
‘social parents.’ The diverse and impressive contributors make the case for law reform in
response to the expanding landscape of parenting.
" * Susan Frelich Appleton, Lemma Barkeloo & Phoebe Couzins Professor of Law, Washington University in St. Louis *
