In a recent article on Above the Law titled “Law Mom And The Modern Family Does Kindergarten”, Jamie Szal discusses the gender roles and stereotypes still prevalent in family dynamics, particularly in relation to responsibilities and contacts for school-aged children.
Szal uses the term “shefault” to reference the default assumption that mothers are the primary caregivers in heterosexual families, with this role often extended to being the initial point of contact on school forms and in childcare emergencies. This, she notes, is despite the fact that in her family—like many modern ones—it is her husband who is listed as the primary contact.
She draws attention to the lack of flexibility and gender neutrality in school forms, which often presuppose a heteronormative family structure with two parents of different genders, implicitly assuming that the female parent is the primary contact. She advocates for a simple change in vocabulary on these forms to “Parent” or “Guardian”, calling it “a profound step towards dismantling systemic gender biases”.
She asserts that adopting gender-neutral terms not only promotes inclusivity across various family structures but also acknowledges the shifting societal dynamics where more women are taking on the roles of breadwinners while their spouses help care for their children. Szal writes that being sure that her familial and professional roles were properly understood gave her greater confidence and space to continue with her professional pursuits.
Szal ends her article with a reminder that challenging default gender roles and stereotypes at such basic levels can lead to greater acceptance of varying family structures and roles, ultimately showcasing a more inclusive and modern view of family dynamics that align with the transformations in societal norms over time.