Edited by Jaber F. Gubrium and James A. Holstein
Since "family" takes on such highly varied forms, any discussion of what it is, who it is, or what family life is like is bound to be complicated--perhaps even controversial. Couples, Kids, and Family Life examines these issues in an engaging and insightful way, approaching the realm of family
from "the inside out." Offering a distinctive view of what the social worlds of family life might look like from the standpoint of "insiders," it examines family perspectives and scenarios though the eyes of partners, parents, children, and significant others. Featuring a series of specially
commissioned chapters by leading scholars in the field, the book uses real-life examples to present a distinctive look at the social worlds of domestic life.
Divided into three parts, Couples, Kids, and Family Life includes discussion questions after each chapter, suggesting ways of
approaching the key concerns laid out in each section. Part I, "Couples," focuses on married or soon-to-be married partners, addressing such topics as romanticism and realism in marriage, the categories of husband and wife, and marital equality. Part II, "Parents and Kids," examines the perspectives
of different actors in the family drama, concentrating on their various reactions to domestic challenges like teenagers' whereabouts, using the car, and gender socialization. Part III, "Rearrangements," deals with family change, including the process of divorce, remarriage, and stepparenting.
Contributors
Introduction
PART I: COUPLES
Emily Fairchild: 1. "I'm excited to be married, but...": Romance and Realism in Marriage
Autumn Behringer: 2. Making Sense of "Husbands" and "Wives"
Scott R. Harris: 3. The Everyday Meaning of Marital Equality
PART II:
PARENTS AND KIDS
Rebecca L. Warner: 4. Being a Good Parent
Demie Kurz: 5. Keeping Tabs on Teenagers
Amy L. Best: 6. Kids, Cars, and Family Life
Daniel Farr: 7. Sissy Boy, Progressive Parents
PART III: REARRANGEMENTS
Derek Ball and Peter Kivisto: 8. Couples Facing
Divorce
Susan Walzer: 9. Children's Stories of Divorce
William Marsiglio and Ramon Hinojosa: 10. Stepfathers and the Family Dance
There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.
Jaber F. Gubrium is at University of Missouri. James A. Holstein is at Marquette University.
Making Sense in the Social Sciences - Margot Northey, Lorne Tepperman and Patrizia Albanese
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