title: The gendered dynamics of power in disputes over the postseparation care of children.
abstract: A dichotomized picture of postseparation parents has emerged in family law that juxtaposes violent relationships with those that are "normal." Domestic violence scholars and advocates have played a role in reproducing this picture in their quest to secure protection for women and children. Although sympathetic, we argue this construction generates a number of problems: in particular, it obscures the gender power dynamics in relationships where women have not experienced violence. Interviews with separated mothers in dispute over contact arrangements reveal that there are significant continuities in the gender power dynamics they experience, despite differences in their exposure to male partner violence.
authors: Sociology, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand. v.elizabeth@auckland.ac.nz
authors: Vivienne
authors: V
authors: Elizabeth
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Gavey
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Tolmie
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D002655:Child Custody; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D011209:Power, Psychological; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult