The girlies explore the increasingly popular act of going “no contact.” In the first of two episodes, they break down the history of severing ties, how the nuclear family is ultimately an economic trap, and why Sophie Lewis argues we should abolish the family altogether. Digressions include our banishment from the Delta Lounge, the wholesomeness of r/fearofflying and whether we’ve officially run out of names for medications.

If you're currently no contact with family or considering this step, you're not alone; connect with Stand Alone, Together Estranged, and Family Support Resources for community and support.

This episode was produced by Julia Hava and Eliza McLamb and edited by Allison Hagan. Research assistance from Kylie Finnigan.

To support the podcast on Patreon and access 50+ bonus episodes, mediasodes, zoom hangouts and more, visit patreon.com/binchtopia and become a patron today.

SOURCES

Abolish the Family by Sophie Lewis

All our Kin: Strategies for Survival in a Black Community by Carol B. Stack

Parental Alienation: A Disputed Theory With Big Implications

Why So Many People Are Going “No Contact” with Their Parents

Parent–adult child estrangement in the United States by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality

Developmental Estrangement and the Re-emergence of Love

Family estrangement is on the rise. A psychologist offers ways to cope

Blocking your mom: why adult children are going no contact

Why So Many People (Myself Included) Are Experiencing Family Estrangement

How Estrangement Has Become an Epidemic in America      

No, Parent-Child Estrangement Isn't Just a Fad

Estrangement is never easy or straightforward. Psychologists can help

Conceptualizing “Family” and the Role of “Chosen Family” within the LGBTQ+ Refugee Community: A Text Network Graph Analysis

Pillemer: Family estrangement a problem ‘hiding in plain sight’

Nearing holiday season, Americans weigh family estrangement

A Shift in American Family Values Is Fueling Estrangement

A Family Therapist Looks to Historians for Insight on the Changing Forms of Family Estrangement

The Causes of Estrangement, and How Families Heal

A Psychologist Shares How A ‘Chosen Family’ Can Help Fight Loneliness

What abolishing the family would not do

The Power of Chosen Family

Finding Connection Through "Chosen Family"

The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake

Parent–adult child estrangement in the United States by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality      

Developmental Estrangement and the Re-emergence of Love

The Pain of Family Estrangement

What Research Tells Us About Family Estrangement