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Dissertation Information for Monica Frieda Francis

NAME:
- Monica Frieda Francis

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Women's Studies

SCHOOL:
- York University (USA) (1998)

ADVISORS:
- Shelley Gavigan

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Patricia McDermott
- Ann B. Shteir
- Valerie A. Preston
- Mary Jane Mossman
- Patricia M. Evans
- Margrit Eichler

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: The equity gap: The hidden economic consequences of divorce

Abstract: The thesis argues that upon divorce an equity gap exists for mothers whereby they experience adverse economic circumstances. This equity gap is created by the traditional unpaid labour that is performed by mothers and the gender-biased structure of the Canadian labour market. Family ideology shapes and masks women's subordinate situation within the family and the workforce while simultaneously perpetuating stereotypical roles of women. The framework of formal equality which presently exists in family law fails to properly address mothers' economic situation upon divorce.

The thesis uses an original survey as a research tool. The survey respondents consisted of seventy-six women who are: legally divorced; custodial mothers of at least one dependent child 18 years of age or younger; receiving child support on a regular basis; and currently not living with a partner. Although the thesis is an examination of the post-divorce situation of this specific group of women, the information has broader implications as it is illustrative of systemic inequality and the entrenchment of the gendered social construction within our society.

Upon divorce it becomes clear that unpaid labour gives rise to negative economic consequences that are detrimental for women. The financial and emotional burdens of sole parenting, the undervalued and often unrecognized unpaid work mothers perform, an inflexible and restrictive gendered labour market, all combine to make it difficult for single mothers to survive economically. The situation mothers face at divorce is gendered and inequitable.

A brief overview of women's historical paid and unpaid labour, as well as their role within the family and society, provides background for women's current post-divorce situation. An overview of legal feminist thought on formal and substantive equality frames the issues which have shaped and continue to shape present divorce laws. If financial consideration were given to women's unpaid labour and its negative effects on future earning potential, equality within family law would offer women substantive outcomes, closing the equity gap.

MPACT Scores for Monica Frieda Francis

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-02-18 12:41:09

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