In the wake of vast social and economic changes, the nuclear family has lost its dominance, both as an ideal and in practice. Some welcome this shift, while others see civilization itself in peril - but few move beyond ideology to develop a nuanced understanding of how families function in society. In this provocative book, Margaret F. Brinig draws on research from a variety of disciplines to offer a distinctive study of family dynamics and social policy. Concentrating on legal reform, Brinig examines a range of subjects, including cohabitation, custody, grandparent visitation, and domestic violence. She concludes that conventional legal reforms and the social programs they engender ignore social capital: the trust and support given to families by a community. Traditional families generate much more social capital than nontraditional ones, Brinig concludes, which leads to clear rewards for their children. Firmly grounded in empirical research, "Family, Law, and Community" argues that family policy can only be effective if it is guided by an understanding of the importance of social capital and the advantages held by families that accrue it.

About the Author
Margaret F. Brinig is the Fritz Duda Family Chair in Law and associate dean for faculty research at Notre Dame Law School. She is the author of several books, including, most recently, From Contract to Covenant: Beyond the Law and Economics of the Family.

Reviews
"This is an important, innovative book that addresses some of the hottest topics in family law. Brinig brings impressive skills and a sophisticated command of the law to the task of assessing and reforming family policy. Her fresh insights are bound to provoke debate." - Barbara Woodhouse, Emory University.



Book Information
ISBN 9780226074993
Author Margaret F. Brinig
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 539g
Dimensions(mm) 24mm * 16mm * 2mm