Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Perceived Obligations Of Stepfathers To Financially Support Their Stepchildren; Public Perceptions Of Stepfathers' Obligations To Financially Support Their Stepchildren, Miriam Maclean

Theses : Honours

The present study investigated public perceptions of stepfathers' obligation to financially support stepchildren. Two hundred Australians completed vignette-based questionnaires assessing normative expectations of stepfathers financial contribution. A 2 x 2 x 2 between-subjects design was used to assess the effects of marital status, maternal employment, and prior child support commitments on perceived obligations to stepchildren. Most participants believed stepfathers should contribute financially, but responses varied greatly. Defacto relationships and maternal employment reduced obligation. A significant 3-way interaction was also found. Qualitative responses were analysed from a normative expectations and distributive justice perspective. Findings support the use and integration of these …