From Formal Equality to Substantive Justice: Addressing Legal Inequalities and Social Norms in Family Law

Authors

Abdullah-Al-Monzur Hussain Dhaka International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Author
Tanjuma Mohima Dhaka International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66277/nmr.1.1.163

Keywords:

Gender Justice, Family Law, Legal Inequality, Social Norms, Patriarchy

Abstract

Gender inequality in family law remains a persistent issue despite the widespread adoption of formal guarantees of equality. This study examines how legal frameworks and social norms interact to reproduce gender-based disparities within family law, particularly in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. The primary objective is to analyze the gap between formal legal provisions and their practical implementation by highlighting structural, institutional, and cultural barriers to achieving substantive gender justice. Employing a qualitative doctrinal approach, the study analyzes international and domestic legal instruments through the lenses of feminist legal theory, patriarchy theory, social norms theory, and the capability approach. The findings indicate that although many jurisdictions have introduced gender-sensitive legal reforms, their effectiveness remains constrained by weak enforcement, deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, institutional limitations, and low levels of legal awareness. This article argues that advancing gender justice in family law requires a shift from formal equality to substantive equality, supported by integrated legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and the transformation of social norms. It contributes to scholarly discourse by proposing a multidimensional framework for operationalizing gender justice across diverse legal and cultural contexts.

[Ketidaksetaraan gender dalam hukum keluarga masih menjadi persoalan yang persisten meskipun berbagai jaminan kesetaraan formal telah diadopsi secara luas. Studi ini mengkaji bagaimana kerangka hukum dan norma sosial berinteraksi dalam mereproduksi ketimpangan berbasis gender dalam hukum keluarga, khususnya dalam aspek perkawinan, perceraian, warisan, dan hak asuh anak. Tujuan utama penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kesenjangan antara ketentuan hukum formal dan implementasinya dalam praktik, dengan menyoroti hambatan struktural, institusional, dan kultural dalam mewujudkan keadilan gender yang substantif. Studi ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan doktrinal, dengan mengkaji instrumen hukum internasional dan domestik yang dianalisis menggunakan teori hukum feminis, patriarki, dan norma sosial dengan pendekatan kapabilitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa meskipun berbagai yurisdiksi telah mengadopsi reformasi hukum yang sensitif gender, efektivitasnya masih terhambat oleh lemahnya penegakan hukum, norma patriarki yang mengakar, keterbatasan institusional, serta rendahnya kesadaran hukum. Artikel ini berargumen bahwa pencapaian keadilan gender dalam hukum keluarga memerlukan pergeseran dari kesetaraan formal menuju kesetaraan substantif, yang didukung oleh reformasi hukum yang terintegrasi, penguatan kelembagaan, dan transformasi norma sosial. Studi ini berkontribusi dengan menawarkan kerangka multidimensional untuk mengoperasionalkan keadilan gender dalam berbagai konteks hukum dan budaya.]

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