Search results for ""Author Graham Allan""

Who does what in the family, and how far do the divisions and inequalities which occur in a family context reflect those in society as a whole? This introductory text to the sociology of the family combines recent feminist interpretations of domestic life with the traditional concerns of family sociology to offer a fre4ash treatment of a topic of importance not only for students of sociology but also for those engaged in professional training for such careers as social work or health visiting. Particularly concerned with the impact that domestic roles have both inside and outside the home, Family Life examines how their organization is structured by the broader social and economic contexts within which families operate. A major part of this involves uncovering the way in which the division of tasks and responsibilities between the genders within the home is both shaped by and shapes the divisions and inequalities that occur outside it. How far do the routine domestic demands upon women limit the opportunities open to them in work and leisure, and how do such demands affect marriage and divorce? What is the real influence of unemployment on the domestic roles? What effect does caring for the elderly have on the carer? In addressing such questions, the book relates the organization of family life to the broader economic and social contexts to provide a novel yet integrated approach.

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This volume provides students with the essential readings for understanding the dominant issues in the sociology of the family. The editor presents the reader with a collection of important writings that include recent and currently relevant material as well as the rich variety of empirical work conducted in this field.

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In developing countries, concerns about declining fertility rates are matched only by fears that childhood is being destroyed by modern parenting practices. This timely volume brings together scholars from multiple disciplines to provide a more balanced, less alarmist perspective on the meanings and implications of these developments.Contrary to predictions about the end of children and the end of childhood, these investigations of developments in Canada and the United States, and to a lesser extent elsewhere in the world, show that fertility rates and ideas about children and childhood are not uniform but rather vary around the globe based on factors such as time, culture, class, income, and age. By exploring the influences that inform when and why people have children and how they choose to raise them, The End of Children? opens a new dialogue on the idea and place of children in modern society.

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The contributors to this topical volume explore the role of family support in promoting the welfare of children and their families. They show how children can be supported in the development of their full potential despite adverse experiences. Family support enables children to access the variety of resources available to them in the multiplicity of contexts in which they live.Family Support: Direction from Diversity integrates concepts and experiences from an international perspective, different levels of analysis (society, community and family) and different loci of intervention (education, social services and local government). Specific areas covered include:* principles of family and social support* social networks and social change in the family and the community* reciprocal support between families, schools and the community* restoring the balance of control between parents and children* supporting young people who misuse drugs.Family Support presents current knowledge about family support and sets out directions for future developments in thinking and service provision.It shows how an understanding of the complexity and potential of family support can inform and enrich the work of educators, professionals, service providers, policy makers and academics.

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There is no shortage of political and moral commentary on family life. Frequently the underlying theme of these commentaries is the decline of contemporary family commitment, particularly when older people's family experiences are the focus. "Family Practices in Later Life" challenges many common stereotypes about the nature of family involvement as people age. The book explores diversity and change in the family relationships older people maintain, looking at how family relationships are constructed and organised in later life. It recognises that the emerging patterns are a consequence of the choices and decisions negotiated within family networks, emphasising older people's agency in the construction of their family practices. In exploring such themes as long-term marriage, sibling ties in later life and grandparenthood, the book highlights the continued significance of family connection and solidarity in later life, while recognizing that family relationships are inevitably modified over time as people's social and material circumstances alter. "Family Practices in Later Life" will be of interest to students, researchers and academics in the fields of social policy, family studies and social gerontology. It provides a valuable contribution to the developing field of critical social gerontology as well as to an understanding of family process.

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This volume brings together contributions on the study of sexual affairs in committed personal relationships. The editors enlisted colleagues with varied theoretical and methodological perspectives from Britain, the United States, and other countries. Together, their contributions provide a broad, cross-national perspective on affairs. Grounded in theoretical discussion, the chapters in this book introduce data collected by a broad range of methods, including attitude surveys, large statistical cohort studies, case studies, depth interviews, and group discussions. A number of contributors locate the theoretical discussion of affairs within the broader contemporary ordering of committed relationships, contrasting the liberating and empowering aspects of affairs with the damage they may inflict on society as a whole and on the lives of individuals and families. The themes of passion, transgression, secrecy, lies, betrayal, and gossip are common to a range of chapters throughout. The volume provides broad literature reviews and theoretical discussions concerning particular aspects of affairs, such as communication and jealousy. In addition, case studies are used for the more detailed exploration of heterosexual affairs and contemporary developments in gay male and lesbian relationships. The State of Affairs will be of interest to researchers, scholars, and students in social psychology; communication; sociology; family, social, and clinical psychology; and for practitioners in couple counseling.

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