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Noncustodial Mothers: Gendered Institutions and Social Change

Eddie Powell

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Published in Still A Mother: Noncustodial Mothers Gendered Institutions And Social Change

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In the United States, the majority of children live with their mothers. However, there is a growing number of children who live with their fathers or other noncustodial parents. These noncustodial parents, and particularly noncustodial mothers, face a unique set of challenges that are often overlooked by policymakers and the general public.

Still a Mother: Noncustodial Mothers, Gendered Institutions, and Social Change

by Cheri Huber

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2420 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	221 pages

In Noncustodial Mothers: Gendered Institutions and Social Change, author Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan explores the experiences of noncustodial mothers. She examines the legal, social, and economic challenges these mothers face, and the ways in which they are working to create change.

Legal Challenges

One of the biggest challenges that noncustodial mothers face is the legal system. In many states, the law favors mothers in child custody cases. This is often due to the assumption that mothers are the primary caregivers and that it is in the best interests of the child to live with their mother.

However, this assumption is not always true. There are many noncustodial mothers who are just as capable of caring for their children as custodial mothers. In fact, some studies have shown that children who live with their fathers or other noncustodial parents do just as well as children who live with their mothers.

Despite these findings, the legal system continues to favor mothers in child custody cases. This can make it difficult for noncustodial mothers to get the parenting time that they want and need.

Social Challenges

In addition to the legal challenges they face, noncustodial mothers also face a number of social challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the stigma that is often associated with being a noncustodial parent.

Many people assume that noncustodial mothers are bad parents. They may be seen as selfish, neglectful, or even abusive. This stigma can make it difficult for noncustodial mothers to maintain relationships with their children, their friends, and their family members.

Another social challenge that noncustodial mothers face is the lack of support from their communities. Many noncustodial mothers feel isolated and alone. They may not have anyone to talk to about their experiences, and they may not know where to turn for help.

Economic Challenges

Noncustodial mothers also face a number of economic challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the fact that they often have to pay child support. This can be a significant financial burden, especially for mothers who are not able to work full-time.

In addition to child support, noncustodial mothers may also have to pay for other expenses related to their children, such as health insurance, childcare, and extracurricular activities. These expenses can add up quickly, and they can make it difficult for noncustodial mothers to make ends meet.

Working for Change

Despite the challenges they face, noncustodial mothers are working to create change. They are organizing, speaking out, and advocating for their rights.

One of the most important ways that noncustodial mothers are working for change is by sharing their stories. By sharing their experiences, they are helping to raise awareness of the challenges that noncustodial mothers face. They are also helping to change the way that people think about noncustodial parents.

In addition to sharing their stories, noncustodial mothers are also working to change the laws and policies that affect them. They are lobbying for changes to the child support system, the family law system, and the welfare system. They are also working to create more support services for noncustodial mothers.

The work of noncustodial mothers is making a difference. Slowly but surely, the legal, social, and economic landscape is changing for the better. More and more noncustodial mothers are getting the parenting time that they want and need. They are also getting the support that they need to raise their children in a healthy and loving environment.

Noncustodial Mothers: Gendered Institutions and Social Change is a powerful and important book. It shines a light on the challenges that noncustodial mothers face, and it shows the ways in which they are working to create change. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the changing nature of family life in the 21st century.

Still a Mother: Noncustodial Mothers, Gendered Institutions, and Social Change

by Cheri Huber

4.3 out of 5