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Cover of The Social History of the American Family

The Social History of the American Family

by Marilyn J. Coleman

Book Details

Publisher:SAGE Publications
Published:2014-09-02
Pages:2111
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

The American family has come a long way from the days of the idealized family portrayed in iconic television shows of the 1950s and 1960s. The four volumes of The Social History of the American Family explore the vital role of the family as the fundamental social unit across the span of American history. Experiences of family life shape so much of an individual’s development and identity, yet the patterns of family structure, family life, and family transition vary across time, space, and socioe

Our Review

This comprehensive four-volume set traces the evolution of family structures from the mid-century television ideal to the complex realities of modern America, exploring the family's role as the nation's fundamental social unit. It meticulously documents how experiences of family life shape individual development and identity, while also charting the significant variations in structure, daily life, and transitions across different historical periods and social landscapes. The work provides a deep, scholarly examination of how the very definition of family has been contested and transformed.

What sets this history apart is its ambitious chronological scope and its focus on the dynamic interplay between the American family and broader societal forces. Teen readers and young adults grappling with their own place within family systems will find a powerful mirror in these pages, understanding that their personal experiences are part of a larger, ever-changing story. This is an essential resource for anyone seeking to move beyond nostalgia and comprehend the true, diverse tapestry of American family life.

Themes

Social Science

Subjects

Social Science