Language Matters: time to reframe our national vocabulary for family breakdown

We are increasingly aware in our society of the importance of appropriate language; for example we are removing gender-biased and racist language from everyday speech. We recognise that using biased language can reinforce biased thinking. But there remain areas in which the power of language to influence thought and behaviour has not yet been properly appreciated. This article concerns the use of the language of aggression and conflict in the context of family breakdown and argues that it is time for change.

Over the last 50 years there have been radical changes in society to family and relationships. We have moved from a society where ‘children shall be seen and not heard’ to the modern-day emphasis on the ‘voice of the child’. Furthermore we now know that children are harmed by continuing parental conflict which was either unknown or not considered relevant for much of the last century when divorce was conducted as litigation. 

Yet we still carry the unfortunate legacy that family breakdown is litigation conducted by litigators and requiring litigious vocabulary.

A new language around family breakdown is needed...