Putting Children's Interests First in US Family Law and Policy: With Power Comes Responsibility

by Helen M. Alvaré

The well-being of children should be a social priority, and should consider the family circumstances into which children are born. Putting Children's Interests First in US Family Law and With Power Comes Responsibility details the rise of a federal policy of 'sexual expressionism', which prioritizes adults' interests over children's welfare. It describes the costs to children in the areas of family structure and stability, and the federal programs attempting to ameliorate the situation of non-marital children. Offering a detailed empirical and ethical critique both of 'sexual expressionism' and of the related federal programs, this study will be of interest to scholars and activists supporting children, women and the poor.

164 pages, Hardcover

Published December 28, 2017

Reviews

[Ella von Dohlen]

This is a well researched book about the promotion by the U.S. government of sex, contraception, and abortion, with no intentional thought for promoting a healthy familial environment for children. Alvaré compellingly argues that such an environment is found within marriage, using empirical data such as emotional and economic wellbeing.

Furthermore, she claims the government has a justified interest in ceasing to endorse contraception and abortion (thus an individualistic sexual expressionism) and shows how this harms poor women and children the most.

This is not a particularly riveting read, with writing that’s far too repetitive. While I think she’d benefit from a better editor, I appreciate her phlegmatic approach to such a heated topic.

A Guide to my Ratings:
☆☆☆☆☆ - I want to read this again and again and I want everyone else to enjoy it
☆☆☆☆ - I'd recommend this
☆☆☆ - I'd be content with not reading this again
☆☆ - I wish I didn't spend the time reading this
☆ - No one should bother reading this