Perceptions of stepfathers’ obligations to financially support stepchildren
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Family and Economic Issues
Publisher
Springer
Place of Publication
United States
School
School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
20894
Abstract
The perceived fairness of financial arrangements following divorce and repartnering have significant ramifications for social policy and family well-being, yet relatively little is known about public opinion regarding the extent of stepparents’ financial responsibility towards stepchildren’s living costs. This study investigated perceptions of stepfathers’ obligation to financially support stepchildren using quantitative and qualitative methods, and built on previous research by including contextual variables to explore the processes underpinning judgements of kinship responsibilities using a distributive justice framework. Data from a community sample in Western Australia (N = 200) showed a large amount of variability in responses, however most participants believed stepfathers should contribute financially to some extent. Significant reductions in perceived obligations were associated with both cohabiting relationship status and maternal employment, but not with the presence of prior child support commitments by the stepfather. This study highlights the heterogeneity and complexity of attitudes around this issue and associated social policies.
DOI
10.1007/s10834-015-9451-6
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Maclean, M. J., Drake, D., Mckillop, D. (2016). Perceptions of stepfathers’ obligations to financially support stepchildren. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 37(2), 285-296. Available here.