Introduction
“Maternal Gatekeeping After Divorce” explores the dynamics between divorced parents. It focuses on how mothers can control or limit the father’s involvement with their children post-divorce. The research examines the factors contributing to maternal gatekeeping. It delves into the psychological, social, and legal implications. The paper highlights the impact on fathers, children, and the broader family system. The study provides insights into how maternal gatekeeping affects post-divorce parenting relationships. It also discusses potential solutions to mitigate these effects.
Summary of Contents – The Hand That Rocks the Cradle: Maternal Gatekeeping after Divorce
The paper is structured into several key sections. The first section introduces the concept of maternal gatekeeping. It defines how mothers can control or limit fathers’ access to children post-divorce. The research highlights various motivations behind maternal gatekeeping. These include protective instincts, unresolved conflicts, or perceived threats to maternal authority.
40% of mothers reported that they had interfered with the father’s visitation to punish their ex-spouse. [“Frequency of Visitation” by Sanford Braver, American Journal of Orthopsychiatry]
The second section delves into the psychological impact of maternal gatekeeping. It discusses how children are affected by restricted access to their fathers. The paper emphasizes the long-term consequences on children’s emotional well-being. It also explores how maternal gatekeeping can strain the father-child relationship. The section also examines the father’s emotional and psychological response to being “gated” out.
50% of mothers see no value in the father’s continued contact with his children. (“Surviving the Breakup” by Joan Berlin Kelly)
The third section discusses the legal aspects of maternal gatekeeping. It analyzes how family law often reinforces maternal gatekeeping. The research suggests that courts may unconsciously side with mothers, viewing them as primary caregivers. The paper examines how this legal bias can exacerbate the issue.
92% of children are automatically awarded to the mother in South Africa according to responding papers by the Family Advocate to the Equality Court in The Von Ginkel, Louw, Fabian et al case.
The fourth section of the paper addresses possible interventions. It suggests strategies for reducing maternal gatekeeping behaviors. The paper advocates for co-parenting counseling, mediation, and legal reforms. These interventions aim to foster healthier post-divorce parenting dynamics.
50% of fathers describe themselves as totally alienated from their children post-divorce or separation in research conducted by F4J SA.
24% of fathers describe themselves as partially alienated from their children post-divorce or separation in research conducted by F4J SA.
85% to 90% of Parental Alienation Syndrom is perpetrated by mothers in South Africa according to Dr Pinki Du Toit of the Synovil Centre
Conclusion
The conclusion of the paper summarizes the effects of maternal gatekeeping. It reiterates the negative impact on fathers, children, and family dynamics. The study calls for more awareness and legal reforms. It emphasizes the need for equitable parenting arrangements. The paper concludes by urging both parents to prioritize the well-being of their children. It highlights the importance of cooperative parenting post-divorce.
Final Thoughts
Nothing less than automatic 50/50 contact, care, guardianship, and maintenance will resolve these issues. From birth, equal contact care, guardianship, and maintenance must be automatic, with no distinction between a mother and a father. Gender does not determine a higher ability to care for, protect, or provide for a child. Caring for a child is not gender-specific; both mother and father bring different, yet vital aspects and attributes to rating a child, it is the mutual responsibility of both parents to cooperate in raising their child.
Until the South African government, justice system, and Department of Social Development address their violent, gynocentric, and misandrist ideologies against men, nothing will change. It is unjust to continuously blame men for all the wrongs in the family unit, labeling them as the sole perpetrators. Yet, when solutions are needed, the expectation falls on men to fix it.
We have been raising these concerns with the government for decades. Over the past five or six years, we have directly engaged with government officials, but they have done nothing—absolutely nothing. Until the government is willing to make drastic, sweeping changes to the family law system, the current situation will remain unresolved. Men, and fathers in particular, are simply not the problem any longer. The system is the problem. It is time for immediate and drastic change.
Researcher Information and Accreditation
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