Explores the connection between the norms and laws that govern familial relationships.

The shift in the family paradigm—from nuclear units to diverse constellations of intimacy—has been rapid and dramatic. Yet some norms are resistant to change, such as women’s continuing role as primary care providers despite their increased participation in the labor force. This clash of ingrained and evolving practices has an enormous impact on the economic, emotional, and legal aspects of daily life.

House Rules is a critical exploration of familial governances and how they sustain outdated standards. The authors expose the models that affect families, discuss the role of legal regulation on families, and provide tools to design adaptable laws that protect against inequalities.