While the theme of equality runs through family law, it is almost paradoxical that, at the same time, the families to which this principle is applied retain their norma­tive, status-based traditionalism. As Stychin and Bottomley and Wong point out, they are still dyadic and (usually) sexual relationships. They are economically self­sufficient and are said to […]

One of the concerns identified as important in feminist work on families is the way in which particular ideas of individualism, autonomy and agency have been incorporated into family laws. Women’s legal autonomy was hard-won by early feminists and is still important, but now it is an autonomy that bears only passing resemblance to the […]

In positivist terms, family law can be defined as a collection of statutes and cases regulating the family. Such a definition hides more than it reveals, however. Family law can also be said to have a functional role in relation to dispute reso­lution and the protection of children. It also constitutes some families in particular […]

Feminism and Families: Plus Qa Change? Alison Diduck and Katherine O’Donovan Introduction While feminist perspectives on all areas of life and law are crucial to achieve a just, nuanced and comprehensive understanding of them, some might think that the family and family law are the first, or at least most obvious, places to start. After […]