Shared parenting and politics

Abstract

Shared parenting (SP) is currently the recommended childcare model when parents separate. SP enables both parents to have equal opportunities to pursue their goals outside the family as well as to play an essential role in the upbringing of their children. Furthermore SP is the most beneficial and caring model for healthy psychological development of the children involved. Results for children under the SP model are comparable to those of children of intact families according to the latest scientific knowledge. Within Germany, it is surprising that the SP model is infrequently considered in separations at Family Courts. However, this now appears to be changing. More surprising are the attitudes of political parties towards SP. Progressive parties – those that more consistently advocate for social justice, or equal rights and opportunities for men and women – constitute the primary opposition to SP as the primary child caring model after separation. Conservative parties – those that advocate for consolidation of traditional values – are more in favour of SP. This chapter will analyse this phenomenon and will focus on the attitude towards SP of the more progressive parties, including the contrast between this attitude and the party goals and expectations, which may be difficult to understand at first.