Economic Dependence and Self-Support in Family, Tax and Social Law

This chapter analyzes the internal contradictions of family, tax and social welfare law with regard to their implicit assumptions of family and dependence. It explores how law can contribute to the resurrection of gender inequalities, an approach other than the traditional one is needed. The chapter utilizes a descriptive approach in order to identify how sex inequalities are resurrected in sex-neutral legislation. It shows how residence-related family support benefits and social assistance provisions are based on a presumption of maintenance obligations within the family. Contemporary Swedish family law is characterized by secularism, individualism and equality. Economic independence for women is a central policy goal for sex equality. Residence-based benefits are primarily based on the need for support. The common feature of these benefits is that they are supposed to provide basic welfare security for families with children.