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SUMMARY
Although researchers have given much attention to the growing importance of
individualism in Quebec family law, it is unclear whether these conclusions refer to the
same definition of the phenomenon. It is essential to understand the dynamic quality of
this tendency, its characteristics as well as its relationship with the law. Using a socio-
juridical approach, this thesis explores the phenomenon through three indicators.
Specifically, we have undertaken to examine the individualization of Quebec’s social
family law and private family law in the case of the stay-at-home mother. Our analysis
reveals that Quebec family law aims, acknowledges and concretly supports the
autonomy of the stay-at-home mother very little. Our observations have rather
highlighted a decrease in mesures and services that support her, a tendency that is
related to the fiscalization, the contractualization and the important judiciary discretion
characteristic of contemporary family law.
Keywords
Private family law, Social family law, family, Stay-at-home mother, Mothering,
Motherwork, Individualism, Individualization.