'.a most valuable contribution to the debate about the nature of the obligations of parenthood - chiefly because of its attempt to stimulate lateral thinking which takes on board the complexity and fluidity of family relationships.' Andrew Bainham writing in Journal of Law and Society September 2002. 'The Parental Obligation is thought provoking, and as promised, the study 'does raise important new questions against which current knowledge should be viewed.' Anna Byas writing in Alternative Law Journal September 2002. 'This is an important and timely book. It complements and extends the invaluable socio-legal work Maclean and Eekelaar have been undertaking for many years on parenting and divorce, and provides much needed empirical data.' Jennifer Mason writing in Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law September 2002.

'The book is stimulating and thought-provoking.' Professor John Dewar writing in Queensland Law Society Journal, Proctor September 2002. 'It is clear, accessible, and adds authoritatively to the growing and impressive canon of work in this area.' Simon Jolly writing in International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family September 2002. 'This book should certainly be on the reading list of anyone considering the current debate about the parenting of children of lone parents.' The Review Editor writing in New Law Journal September 2002. '. the book is based on methodologically rigorous empirical research and meticulous scholarship, and is well worth reading.

' Christine Piper writing in Family Law September 2002. 'The Parental Obligation is an extremely useful addition to our understanding .which will no doubt stimulate further research and thought.' Jonathan Herring writing in Cambridge Law Journal September 2002. 'Maclean and Eekelaar's exploration of social and biological parenthood is thought-provoking and full of insights.' Bren Neale writing in Social Policy June 2002.