Licensing parents.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this essay I shall argue that the state should require all parents to be licensed. My main goal is to demonstrate that the licensing of parents is theoretically desirable, though I shall also argue that a workable and just licensing program actually could be established. My strategy is simple. After developing the basic rationale for the licensing of parents, I shall consider several objections to the proposal and argue that these objections fail to undermine it. I shall then isolate some striking similarities between this licensing program and our present policies on the adoption of children. If we retain these adoption policies-as we surely should-then, I argue, a general licensing program should also be established. Finally, I shall briefly suggest that the reason many people object to licensing is that they think parents, particularly biological parents, own or have natural sovereignty over their children.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalDefault journal
StatePublished - Jan 1 1980

Keywords

  • Ethics
  • Child welfare
  • Licensing
  • Parent and child

Disciplines

  • History
  • Philosophy

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