Beyond the two-parent model: Multi-parenting, solo-parenting, revolutionary parenting
Description
The two-parent model continues to dominate within legal frameworks and societal norms despite evolving family structures, even within unconventional or queer families. The legal validation of same-sex marriage in Western countries exemplifies this, as it endorses the two-parent model.
However, the conventional two-parent model has some flaws, including: (i) In the case of heterosexual two-parent childrearing, the gendered dynamics impose disproportionate caregiving burdens on women. (ii) A smaller amount of economic, psychological, emotional, and cultural resources available to two parents, compared to what a greater number of parents could provide.
At the same time, new trends are emerging. Examples include deliberate solo parenting, the exploration of configurations involving more than two parents, and creative ways of shaping co-parents’ relationships after separation. There are alternative co-parenting structures, for example in queer families, African-American communities, and extended families (e.g., the inclusion of grandparents in a parental role). “Revolutionary parenting”, a term introduced by bell hooks, denotes such arrangements in which non-parental childrearers take up a parent-like role, but without legal rights.
This panel explores parenting structures beyond the two-parent model, and their relationship with rights, duties, and principles of justice.
Convenors
Sabine Hohl, Francesca Miccoli, Johanna Rensing
Speakers
•Anca Gheaus (CEU Vienna): The best available parent and gender justice
•Sabine Hohl (Basel): Solo parenting by choice
•Francesca Miccoli (Basel and Milan): What do we owe to parents and childrearers beyond the dyadic model?
•Johanna Rensing (Basel): Collaboration or Coexistence? Exploration of Rights and Duties among Co-Parents
St Anne’s College, Oxford, June 28-30, 2024
Just Parenthood 