A Sociology of Family Life

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, 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 LGBTQ+ intimacies become commonplace, such personal relationships can still be difficult to negotiate in the face of wider structural norms. With a focus on factors such as class, gender, race, ethnicity and sexuality, this new edition highlights 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 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.

Introduction

1. Traditional Approaches to the Family

2. Individualization, Intimacy and Family Life

3. Parenting Practices and Values

4. The Changing Nature of Childhood

5. Families and Ageing Societies

6. Globalization, Migration and Intimate Relations

7. Families, Fertility and Populations

8. Families and New Reproductive Technologies

9. New Directions: The Politics of Family, Intimacy and Personal Life

‘[A] significant contribution to the field of family sociology and demography … an excellent resource for anyone teaching not only family sociology but more broadly population studies or social sciences. … I highly recommend reading this book and including it as recommended reading for students.’
European Journal of Population

‘This richly theoretical book draws on fascinating examples from across the globe to consider key debates on “family” in the modern world. Highly recommended.’
Margaret K. Nelson, Middlebury College

‘An authoritative, wide-ranging and up-to-date overview of current social scientific understandings of family and personal relationships. Few contemporary texts on family provide the breadth and depth of analysis to be found here. It is required reading for students and teachers of family life today.’
Brian Heaphy, University of Manchester

‘This nuanced book provides an indispensable guide to understanding the evolving relationships between global economies and intimacy.’
Lynn Schofield Clark, University of Denver

Deborah Chambers is Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at Newcastle University.
Pablo Gracia is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Trinity College Dublin.