Parenting and the State: Constructing Parental Responsibility by Democratic Neoliberal States

Abstract

Taking as a point of departure the changing meaning of responsibility, the article discusses what that change means for the relationship between parents, children, and the state. Parental responsibilities have come to the forefront in current neoliberal states as transforming children into productive citizens has emerged as an important objective. Consequently, early intervention and emphasis on parental duties have gained importance. In examining one mother’s experiences with child welfare services, we will show that laws defining parental accountability are embedded in a culture of responsibility that transcends legislation. The question then becomes one focused on this culture and its carriers and their impact on parental responsibilities. The question then to be posed is how to develop the relationship between parents, children, and the state when democracies are changing: in more liberal ways or in even more regulating ways?