This timely and thought-provoking book explores how social and family change are colouring the experience of childhood. The book is centred around three major changes: parental employment, family composition and ideology. The authors demonstrate how children's families are transformed in accordance with societal changes in demographic and economic terms, and as a result of the choices parents make in response to these changes. Despite claims that society is becoming increasingly child-centred, this book argues that children still have little influence over the major changes in their lives.
This book breaks new ground by researching family change from the child's point of view. Through combinations from childhood experts in Scandinavia, the UK and America, the book shows the importance of studying children's lives in families in order to understand how far children are active agents in contemporary society.
Students of childhood studies, sociology, social work and education will find this book essential reading. It will also be of interest to practitioners in the social, child and youth services.

Reviews

'The book gathers together important and interesting research that illuminates the often marginalized perspective of the child ... [it] contributes valuable knowledge and will be of particular interest to academics in the field of family and child studies, as well as a range of practitioners.' - European Journal of Population

'This book provides a compelling, coherent and well-structured examination of the changes in relationships and ideologies concerning the position of children in the family. The book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of family change, with detailed descriptions and analyses that are contextually rich being interwoven with social, historical and cultural dimensions.' - Children & Society

Book Information
ISBN 9780415277747
Author An-Magritt Jensen
Format Paperback
Page Count 188
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 294g