This article is from last year but I only just discovered it. I’m very happy to see that the enlightened ideas about shared custody being the best decision for children of divorced parents have reached this country:
There is an emergent consensus within the divorce research community that in the great majority of contested cases of child custody, where family violence is not a factor, children’s needs and interests are best served by preserving meaningful relationships with both of their parents. Children need and want both parents in their lives, beyond the constraints of “visitation” relationships and “primary caregiver” arrangements. Shared parenting is a viable and desirable alternative in this regard, and “in the best interests of the child from the perspective of the child.”
This is a feminist issue that deserves support and effort. Sadly, the inane “Society expects me to wear lipstick and I don’t wanna” or “Somebody said “hi” to me, I’m so oppressed” discussions on feminist blogs rage for weeks. In the meanwhile, nobody ever mentions this hugely important area where feminist activism is needed.
I maintain that there will be no true victory for feminism until shared custody is the solution adopted in at least 90% of all cases of divorce. There is precedent of this kind of policy being implemented in Spain, and social collapse has not happened, in case you are wondering. I also know people who are raising their daughter in a shared custody arrangement that they chose of their own free will, and this is a very happy, well-adjusted child who obviously thrives as a result of being brought up by Mommy and Daddy who just happen to live in different houses.