The divorce decree, communication, and the structuration of coparenting relationships in stepfamilies

Paul Schrodt; Leslie A. Baxter; M. Chad McBride; Dawn O. Braithwaite; Mark A. Fine

doi:10.1177/0265407506068261

The divorce decree, communication, and the structuration of coparenting relationships in stepfamilies

Paul Schrodt, Leslie A. Baxter, M. Chad McBride, Dawn O. Braithwaite, Mark A. Fine

Department of Communication Studies

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using Giddens's (1984) structuration theory, this study explored the communicative processes surrounding the divorce decree in coparenting relationships in stepfamilies. Participants included 21 adults who were coparenting children in stepfamilies who completed diary entries of all interactions with coparents over a 2-week period, and who completed follow-up interviews. Results revealed two structures of signification with respect to the divorce decree that enabled and constrained coparenting interactions. The first signification structure was one in which the decree was framed as a legal document, dictating the rights and responsibilities of parenting, especially with respect to child access and financial issues. The second signification structure was one in which the decree was viewed as a negotiating guide for more informal coparental decision-making processes. Copytight

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	741-759
Number of pages	19
Journal	Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Volume	23
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407506068261
State	Published - Oct 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Social Psychology
Communication
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Sociology and Political Science

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The divorce decree, communication, and the structuration of coparenting relationships in stepfamilies

Abstract

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