Description
Book SynopsisWhy have the minutiae of how parents raise their children become routine sources of public debate and policy making? This book provides in-depth answers to these features drawing on a wide range of sources from sociology, history, anthropology and psychology, covering developments in both Europe and North America.
Trade Review“This book gives an account of western parenting culture in the 21st century and its historical development. … The authors aim to highlight parental determinism as a key issue of modern parenting culture which has provided a catalyst for transforming the everyday mundanities of parenting into issues of concern for the structures and institutions of western society. In these endeavours the authors, undoubtedly, succeed and, in doing so, provide an accessible yet scholarly read.” (Victoria Earley, Sociology, Vol. 50 (3), June, 2016)
“This text would be useful for those new to parenting studies as it provides a clear and accessible overview of the field. The bullet pointed chapter summaries at the end of each chapter and the beginning of each essay makes the book a useful educational resource … . the detailed analysis and stimulating arguments in relation to specific areas of contemporary parenting culture makes the text worthwhile reading for those already knowledgeable of the existing literature.” (Michelle Webster, The Sociological Review, Vol. 63 (1), May, 2015)
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Ellie Lee PART I: PARENTING CULTURE 1. Intensive Parenting and the Expansion of Parenting; Charlotte Faircloth 2. Experts and Parenting Culture; Ellie Lee 3. The Politics of Parenting; Jan Macvarish 4. Who Cares for Children? The Problem of Intergenerational Contact; Jennie Bristow PART II: ESSAYS ON PARENTAL DETERMINISM 1. Policing Pregnancy: The Pregnant Woman who Drinks; Ellie Lee 2. The Problem of 'Attachment': The 'Detached' Parent; Charlotte Faircloth 3. Babies' Brains and Parenting Policy: The 'Insensitive' Mother; Jan Macvarish 4. Intensive Fatherhood? The (Un)involved Dad; Charlotte Faircloth 5. The Double Bind of Parenting Culture: Helicopter Parents and Cotton Wool Kids; Jennie Bristow Conclusion; Ellie Lee
