British Society for Population Studies Annual Conference

1. British Society for Population Studies Annual Conference University of Manchester, 10–12 September 2008 Shared Residence A new social category of analysis? Alexander Masardo Department of Social & Policy Sciences University of Bath ssmfam@bath.ac.uk

2. Shared Residence Non-resident parents are not an homogenous group. A form of family life in which children reside with each parent for roughly equal amounts of time by alternating their home life across two households. A 30–70 spectrum of residence in percentage terms over the year (e.g. Baker & Townsend, 1996) provides a useful framework within which to explore the intersection of resident and non-resident parenting. Shared residence brings the nomenclature of a resident–non-resident parent dichotomy into question.

3. The research Qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 British & 15 French fathers, accessed through snowball sampling. Similarities in respondent characteristics could indicate a stronger propensity for shared residence to take place where certain core criteria are met. Fathers described both structural and relational aspects of managing shared residence. The need to distinguish shared residence/résidence alternée as a category of analysis in its own right.

4. The policy framework At the heart of policy management: a resident–non-resident administrative division can set parents in opposition to each other. Many forced into becoming proactive in seeking imaginative ways of turning the system to their best advantage. A ‘resident parent’ status can be dynamic. The affordability of shared residence. A ‘non-resident’ status can be a particular source of hardship for low-income families.

5. The legal framework La loi du 4 mars 2002 reform of ‘parental authority’: challenging a ‘default’ primary carer model. Differences in approach between Britain and France are becoming increasingly less marginal. Policy measures aimed at underpinning the notion of coparentalité (co-parenthood). Distinguishing shared residence as an explicit option will necessitate a revision of the way such practices are considered and measured.

6. Defining shared residence • Levels of reported ‘shared care’ vary from between 7-15 percent (e.g. Skinner et al., 2007). • However, there remains little consensus or understanding of what shared residence entails. • Arrangements were varied and changed over time, though actual levels of care were sustained. • Cross-national differences were apparent in the length of residence.

9. Conclusion • A new social category of analysis? • There are dangers inherent in becoming overly prescriptive in its definition. • The relationship between public preferences and judicial decision making. • The need for flexibility. • The development of shared residence as a category of analysis will challenge a resident– non-resident parent dichotomy.