Close personal relationships, children and the family: ethical and political analysis against a changing background

Research project The aim of this research project is to undertake an in-depth philosophical analysis of the ethics and politics of close personal relationships and parenting, in light of ongoing sociocultural changes such as increased uptake and visibility of alternative lifestyles, as well as greater availability of technologies which impact on reproductive choice. A related and secondary aim is to stimulate research interest within Sweden in the area of the project, and provide a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The objectives of this project are: (1) To examine the arguments that recommend or disqualify relationship and family structures that deviate from heterosexual, monogamous or marital norms as legitimate modes of organisation of private life, reproduction and parenting, in the context of current technological, societal and policy changes; (2) To explore the foundations and limits of rights and duties in the realm of close personal relationships, reproduction and parenting; (3) To encourage further interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as academic and societal communication, on the ethics and policy-making of close personal relationships and reproductive technology.

Head of project

Daniela Cutas Associate professor

+46 90 786 69 02

Project overview

Project period:

2014-01-01 – 2017-12-31

Funding

Finansår , 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

huvudman: Daniela Cutas, finansiar: Vetenskapsrådet, y2014: 1450000, y2015: 1450000, y2016: 1450000, y2017: 1450000,

Participating departments and units at Umeå University

Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious studies

Research subject

Philosophy and philosophy of science

Project members

Kalle Grill Associate professor

Email

+46 90 786 68 07

Project description

The aim of this project is to undertake a philosophical analysis of the ethics and politics of close personal relationships and parenting,
in light of socio-cultural changes such as increased uptake and visibility of alternative lifestyles, as well as greater availability of technologies which impact on reproductive choice. A secondary aim is to stimulate research interest in Sweden in the area of the
project, and provide a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration.
The research will address questions that fall under three headings: a) an analysis of the ethical and political implications of
socio-cultural and technological challenges for relationship, marital and parenting norms; b) an examination of close personal
relationships, family formation and continuation strategies that are not sex-based; and c) a framework of organisation of co-parenting
that is not built around other types of relationships between adults.

The project is relevant for several research areas: ethics, political science, gender studies, and health care research.
Moreover, the results will contribute to supporting public debate in the areas of the project.

Keywords: reproductive ethics, close personal relationships, family, childhood, marriage.