1st Edition
Responsibility, Law and the Family
Focusing on moral, social and legal responsibilities as opposed to rights or obligations, this volume explores the concept of responsibility in family life, law and practice. Divided into four parts, the study considers the nature of family responsibility; constructions of children's responsibilities; shifting conceptions of family responsibilities; and family, responsibility and the law. The collection brings together leading experts from the disciplines of sociology, socio-legal studies and law to discuss responsibilities prior to birth, responsibilities for children, as well as responsibilities of children and of the state towards family members. The volume informs and challenges the developing conceptualization of responsibilities which arise in interdependent, intimate and caring relationships and their legal regulation. It will be of great interest to researchers and practitioners working in this complex field.
Biography
Jo Bridgeman, Heather Keating and Craig Lind are Senior Lecturers in Law in the Sussex Law School. Jo Bridgeman's research employs feminist legal theory to analyse the law relating to care of children. Heather Keating's research focuses upon the criminal law relating to children both as offenders and victims. Craig Lind's research interests are in the areas of gender and sexuality, children in law, and family regulation across cultural divides.
'This book makes a significant contribution to the theoretical understanding of family responsibility, a subject that was under-theoried until recently, as several of the chapters in this volume point out. The book scrutinises the diverse concepts of "family", "law" and "responsibility" from a helpfully wide array of perspectives.' Helen Reece, Birkbeck College, UK 'This excellent collection of essays, drawn from a range of disciplines and perspectives, provides a thorough and thought-provoking consideration of the relationship between the concept of responsibility and family law, and will be a valuable addition to our understanding of families and the role of the state.' Gillian Douglas, Cardiff University, UK