marriages that are intended to make divorce (and remarriage) much more difficult (Herbert 66). Other social critics contend that if there is a genetic disposition that favors biological children it is only a predisposition and not destiny. To create social policies that keep unhappy families trapped in the same house would be wrong and much more risky psychologically than life in a step family (67). This view believes that what is necessary is not more stigmatizing of step families, but rather policies that strengthen step families and reduce any risks that might exist. Changes in legal status are a possibility that is being considered. Stepparents currently have almost no legal standing in most states. This means that even when they assume responsibility for their stepchildren-emotionally or financially, for example-they have no corresponding rights.If the marriage ends, the stepparent has no legal standing to ask for custody or visitation. Stepchildren rarely have rights as well, for life insurance benefits, or if the marriage ends to continued support or inheritance. Many family experts are now trying to pass legislation that explicitly spells out both the rights and responsibilities of stepparents. The law would give stepparents that have been married to a childs parent for at least two years the right to petition the court for a residence order which contains many of the same rights and responsibilities as the biological parents (66). The theory is that giving the stepparent enhanced status will improve the legitimacy of this role in the family and in society. Ultimately, for all types of non-traditional families, the changes will only come from shifts in cultural prejudices. This kind of change will be slow, but there are signs that some preliminary movement is beginning to take place. One of the places this change is evident is in the marketplace. In a sign of the times, the Hallmark greeting card company recently la...
