Impact of Globalisation on Family Law and Human Rights in Taiwan

全球化對台灣家事法及人權法發展的影響

我們需要批判性的理論來推展人類的文明,然而個人的發展則需要相互的尊重與鼓勵。本文將台灣看成家事法與人權法的發展上的獨特案例。而從本文所呈現的事實整理中,可以發現台灣社會在其獨特的文化特質與社會發展上,已擁有了自治及創新的能力。在台灣的家事法領域上,自二十世紀初以來現代化、國際化與全球化的影響,改變了台灣的相關立法及社會,此影響帶來了西方意識型態下的一夫一妻制與婚姻家庭,以及相應的性/性別平等原則與兒童最佳利益原則。台灣為了在政治與經濟層面上獲得生存的空間,無可避免地順應現代化與全球化的潮流。然而,傳統的教條、當代社會慣例與現代權利論述,透過法律改變家庭/家戶的形態,並推展台灣的法律文化。本文期待與關注全球不正義議題,以及擁有敏銳觀點並尊重個體及全球各地法律文化整合的讀者一同探討此一重要問題。

We need critical theories to forward human civilisation, but individual development requires respect and encouragement. This paper is an effort to observe Taiwan as a unique case of development in family law and human rights. In this effort, fact sheets will be presented to demonstrate that Taiwan has enjoyed autonomy and creativity in its evolution with distinctive cultural traits and social reflections. In the area of Taiwan Family Law, the impact of modernisation, internationalisation and globalization has since the beginning of the 20th century refurbished both the legislation and later the Taiwan society with western ideologies of monogamy and the conjugal family as well as their corresponding legislative principles of sexual/gender equality and the best interests of the child. For a country like Taiwan, to follow the currents of modernisation and globalisation is an inevitable destiny for survival in both political and economic spheres. However, traditional teachings, contemporary social practices and modern rights discourses have negotiated their paths to transform the family/families through law and push forward an evolving legal culture of Taiwan. This paper is thus to be shared by those who are concerned with global justice under the light of a sensitive perception and due respect for the individuality and integrity of a legal culture at the world periphery.