Feminism and family law introduction to the issue

Abstract

We are proud to introduce this Special Issue of the Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law which has, for over 40 years, published analysis and critique of family law and social welfare concerns. We are especially proud that the contributions to this Special Issue draw upon the groundbreaking work of Professor Felicity Kaganas. As one of England and Wales’ leading socio-legal feminist scholars of family law, Felicity Kaganas’ pioneering and innovative work lies at the intersections of family law, feminist legal theory and socio-legal studies. Feminist approaches to family law have made a significant contribution to socio-legal scholarship, exploring the complexities of the social system within and through which women are regulated in and by family law. Through this lens, Kaganas’ work cuts across different areas of family law, from child welfare to domestic abuse to the operation of the family justice system. Her work crosses jurisdictional boundaries. It combines theories of justice with assessments of social science research and legal doctrine to challenge assumptions about legal progress, legal process and legal meaning.