The dissertation begins by discussing the essence of the current study, which sought to accurately portray the experiences and realities of fulltime mothers, followed by a comprehensive literature review surrounding issues pertinent in motherhood. Subsequently, an explanation of the methodological approach utilized in the current study is provided, in addition to the overview of a pilot study which exemplified potential themes, obstacles, and assets anticipated within the actual research. The case studies of four women chosen to represent issues relevant to fulltime mothers are presented. Finally, the creation of a substantive Stay-at-home-mothering (i.e., SAHM) Model is offered, along with two SAHM portraits and a conclusion section, which includes an implications section along with an exploration of the personal discoveries made by the current researcher. / Ph. D.

Bien que les chercheurs fassent état de l ’importance croissante de l ’individualisme en droit québécois de la famille, il n ’est pas clair que ces conclusions soient fondées sur une définition constante du phénomène. Il est primordial de comprendre la dynamique mouvante de cette tendance, ses caractéristiques ainsi que son lien avec le droit. Au moyen d ’une approche socio-juridique, le présent mémoire décrit ce phénomène et définit trois indicateurs pour explorer si et comment le droit social et privé québécois de la famille s ’individualise autour de la mère au foyer. Au final, le mémoire démontre que le droit de la famille vise, reconnaît et supporte concrètement très peu la mère au foyer. L ’observation de ce cas a plutôt mis en lumière une tendance à la diminution de mesures ou services qui la supportent, tendance qui est notamment liée à la fiscalisation, la contractualisation et l ’octroi d ’une large discrétion judiciaire. / Although researchers have given much attention to the growing importance of individualism in Quebec family law, it is unclear whether these conclusions refer to the same definition of the phenomenon. It is essential to understand the dynamic quality of this tendency, its characteristics as well as its relationship with the law. Using a socio- juridical approach, this thesis explores the phenomenon through three indicators. Specifically, we have undertaken to examine the individualization of Quebec ’s social family law and private family law in the case of the stay-at-home mother. Our analysis reveals that Quebec family law aims, acknowledges and concretly supports the autonomy of the stay-at-home mother very little. Our observations have rather highlighted a decrease in mesures and services that support her, a tendency that is related to the fiscalization, the contractualization and the important judiciary discretion characteristic of contemporary family law.

Bien que les chercheurs fassent état de l ’importance croissante de l ’individualisme en droit québécois de la famille, il n ’est pas clair que ces conclusions soient fondées sur une définition constante du phénomène. Il est primordial de comprendre la dynamique mouvante de cette tendance, ses caractéristiques ainsi que son lien avec le droit. Au moyen d ’une approche socio-juridique, le présent mémoire décrit ce phénomène et définit trois indicateurs pour explorer si et comment le droit social et privé québécois de la famille s ’individualise autour de la mère au foyer. Au final, le mémoire démontre que le droit de la famille vise, reconnaît et supporte concrètement très peu la mère au foyer. L ’observation de ce cas a plutôt mis en lumière une tendance à la diminution de mesures ou services qui la supportent, tendance qui est notamment liée à la fiscalisation, la contractualisation et l ’octroi d ’une large discrétion judiciaire. / Although researchers have given much attention to the growing importance of individualism in Quebec family law, it is unclear whether these conclusions refer to the same definition of the phenomenon. It is essential to understand the dynamic quality of this tendency, its characteristics as well as its relationship with the law. Using a socio- juridical approach, this thesis explores the phenomenon through three indicators. Specifically, we have undertaken to examine the individualization of Quebec ’s social family law and private family law in the case of the stay-at-home mother. Our analysis reveals that Quebec family law aims, acknowledges and concretly supports the autonomy of the stay-at-home mother very little. Our observations have rather highlighted a decrease in mesures and services that support her, a tendency that is related to the fiscalization, the contractualization and the important judiciary discretion characteristic of contemporary family law.