The book explores the evolving nature of childhood over the past five decades, highlighting shifts in family dynamics, consumer culture, and social media's impact. It contrasts the concepts of childhood agency with the romanticized view of children as innocent beings. By examining both family and childhood studies, the author advocates for a balanced approach to parenting, emphasizing the roles of parents, children, the state, and various agencies in child-rearing practices across different cultures.
Family relations are undergoing dramatic changes globally and locally. At the same time, certain features of family life endure. This popular book, now in a fully updated second edition, explores the growing diversity of family life and presents a comprehensive assessment of recent research on 'family', parenting, childhood and interpersonal ties. A Sociology of Family Life queries assumptions about a disintegration of 'the family' by revealing a remarkable persistence of commitment and reciprocity across cultures, within new as well as traditional family forms. Yet while new kinds of intimate relationships such as 'friends as family' and same-sex families become commonplace, such personal relationships can still be difficult to negotiate in the face of wider structural norms. With a focus on social factors such as class, gender, race and sexuality, this new edition highlights social inequalities that influence and curb families and personal life transnationally. Alongside substantial new material on cultural and digital transformations, the book features extensive updates on themes and issues ranging from demography, migration, ageing and government policies, to reproductive technologies, employment and care. With a global focus, and blending theory with real-life examples, this insightful and engaging book will remain indispensable to students across the social sciences.
Exploring the concept of home across three centuries, this book delves into its representation, performance, and emotional resonance within Western culture. It examines how societal changes have influenced the perception of home, highlighting the evolving ideals and personal experiences associated with domestic spaces. Through various cultural lenses, the narrative reveals the intricate relationship between identity and the notion of home throughout history.
