Stepfamilies in 1984 and today - a scholarly perspective

Article Abstract:

A number of findings appear consistently in studies on remarriage and stepfamilies. Five trends emerge from the wealth of information on stepfamily life. One is the development of norms concerning expectations on the stepparent role, such as the lower degree of parenting involvement of stepfathers early in the remarriage. Another trend is that stepfamilies need time to develop closeness. Other trends include difficult stepmother-stepchild relations, negative stepfather-stepdaughter relations, especially when there is a stepmother, and early home-leaving in stepfamily households.

Stepmothers, Stepfathers

---

Stepfamilies from siblings' perspectives

Article Abstract:

A number of factors involving all members of the binuclear family inform the relationships between the children of a parent's earlier relationship and the children born to a remarriage. Some trends can be discerned from the variables affecting the nature and quality of relations between half-siblings. These include the association between the stage of stepfamily development during the birth of a mutual child, and half-sibling relations, and the number of children from each marriage. In terms of age and birth order, preteen children are the most receptive to the idea of a baby.

Brothers and sisters

---

Law and stepfamilies

Article Abstract:

The law in general does not oblige stepparents to take on the biological parent's duties and responsibilities except in loco parentis, which is coterminal with the marriage, or in the case of adoption. Remarriages which create stepfamilies, however, are becoming the norm and the legal system must be reformed to accommodate this change in the American society. The stepfamily should be recognized as a viable family form and thus must be protected by the law.

Social aspects, Analysis, Laws, regulations and rules, Domestic relations, Family relations, Family policy, Child support, Children's rights

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Stepfamilies from the stepfamily's perspective. Stepfamilies from the child's perspective: from stepfamily to close relationships

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.