Mothers on Trial

December 2, 1985
Believing that mothers and children have a natural and "ineffable'' right to each other's company, psychologist Chesler (Women and Madness, etc.) asserts that there is a double standard in our patriarchal society that governs the rights of women, children and child custody. In part because of the ``fathers' rights'' movement, she charges, unfit fathers are now granted custody with increasing frequency. Chesler's impressively annotated, broad-based study offers a historical review of custody practices and an analysis of what constitutes ``fit'' parents, which serves as background to individual cases of worthy mothers considered unfit because of careers, impoverishment, a voluntarily unwed state or other nonstandard ways of living. Chesler castigates the distinction made between male custodial ``rights'' and female custodial ``obligations.'' She notes that millions of fathers have obtained custody by kidnapping, are often violent, average five times more income than mothers yet rarely pay child support. Joint custody should begin as joint parenting, affirms the author, in a deeply felt book that is sure to be controversial. Major ad/promo; author tour. January 13

July 1, 2011

An unblinking look at gender bias in child-custody battles.  

Fathers'-rights advocates have picketed her lectures, but Chesler (Psychology, Women's Studies/CUNY; Woman's Inhumanity to Woman, 2009, etc.) storms the gates with a compelling and well-researched update of her 1986 landmark title. With eight new chapters, the author continues her investigation into how patriarchal attitudes and laws are prejudiced against mothers during custody battles. By analyzing hundreds of legal documents and interviewing custody experts as well as mothers, fathers and children from diverse backgrounds, the author outlines the decline in legal justice many mothers have experienced since 1986. Breaking up the parade of bleak statistics, the Chesler weaves heart-rending (and enraging) stories of the "good enough" mother, a sole caregiver often slandered as morally questionable if she has a relationship during her divorce or as mentally unbalanced if she is emotional about the loss of her children. Yet the "good enough" father, Chesler writes, performs a few household chores and is applauded as an exceptional parent, regardless of his personal lifestyle. While other sources could likely produce as many horror stories about judicial bias against fathers, Chesler's facts cannot be denied: 37 percent of the men in her study kidnapped and brainwashed their children against the mother but were never punished; 70 percent of all the battles resulted in court-ordered paternal custody; 90 percent of all the fathers paid no alimony. The author also includes straightforward advice for readers from mothers and a divorce lawyer, along with several resources for additional help.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Starred review from June 15, 2011

In this new edition of her 1986 groundbreaking book, Chesler, a psychotherapist and women's studies scholar, retires dated material and adds eight new chapters. By supporting her original contentions with new cases, the author demonstrates again that despite commonly held notions, courtroom custody battles continue to victimize mothers and their children, too often favoring fathers who are abusive, neglectful, or otherwise unfit. Chesler presents a good review of present-day legal trends, including the current darling of family courts, the joint-custody agreement. She relies on studies and experts to call into question the effectiveness of joint custody in all but the most mature and cordial of splits. Also new is a well-presented discussion of the challenges and biases lesbians face in custody fights with former husbands and the sometimes onerous conditions under which these mothers are allowed to retain custody. VERDICT Heavily documenting her book with legal precedent, expert input, and studies, Chesler makes her case with all of her zeal intact. Fresh, timely content, extensive annotations, and a helpful listing of resources on women's and children's issues recommend this book for legal and women's studies collections.--Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.