Family Connections - by David H J Morgan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The changing nature of the family is a topic of intense public concern. It also has been the focus of research in sociology and related disciplines for many years.

Family Connections is a major new introduction to the study of the family, written by one of the leading scholars in the field. Morgan shows that the study of the family is not a peripheral concern of sociology but rather lies at the heart of sociological theory and research.

Family Connections takes the reader through the established debates, such as the relation between family life and the world of work and employment, the impact of class and stratification on the family, and the relevance of gender. Morgan then examines some newer areas of social inquiry, including the sociology of the body, time and space, food, and the home. The relevance of the family to more general topics of sociological theory such as postmodernity, citizenship, consumption and risk are all discussed.The emphasis throughout is on family relationships as processes which are fluid, complex and open to change.

This timely, wide-ranging and innovative book will be of great interest to students and scholars in family studies, sociology, and gender and women's studies.

From the Back Cover

The changing nature of the family is a topic of intense public concern. It also has been the focus of research in sociology and related disciplines for many years.

Family Connections is a major new introduction to the study of the family, written by one of the leading scholars in the field. Morgan shows that the study of the family is not a peripheral concern of sociology but rather lies at the heart of sociological theory and research.

Family Connections takes the reader through the established debates, such as the relation between family life and the world of work and employment, the impact of class and stratification on the family, and the relevance of gender. Morgan then examines some newer areas of social inquiry, including the sociology of the body, time and space, food, and the home. The relevance of the family to more general topics of sociological theory such as postmodernity, citizenship, consumption and risk are all discussed.The emphasis throughout is on family relationships as processes which are fluid, complex and open to change.

This timely, wide-ranging and innovative book will be of great interest to students and scholars in family studies, sociology, and gender and women's studies.

Review Quotes

'Anyone seeking an understanding of what empirical sociology has achieved in Britain over the past twenty years could well start with this book. David Morgan skilfully weaves an original tapestry of British life based on such themes as food, home and the body, as well as the more traditional themes of class and work. He does this from a distinctive family perspective but this is more than simply another book about the family: it is an unusual way of approaching British Society as a whole.' Ray Pahl, University of Kent, Canterbury

'Morgan's comprehensive, judicious account of developments in the sociology of the family should be on every lecturer's and student's bookshelf.' Chris Harris, University College of Swansea

'David Morgan ... is one of leading scholars in the field of the sociology of the family. Family Connections is well structured and its themes are easy to follow. Morgan's knowledge of this field is impressive, and the book offers an excellent overview of how family matters are woven into a multitude of areas in social life. The book is highly informative and reflects the state of the art in today's family sociology.' Acta Sociologica

'Well-researched text ... Morgan writes well; the density of the material presented has been made very readable. For someone wanting a look at the latest in the social analysis of how families are defined at the political level, the social function of the family and the individuals within them it offers a variety of informed ideas with references to the relevant literature.' Journal of Paediatrics of Health Care

About the Author

David Hopcraft John Morgan, known as David Morgan, is a British sociologist, a former President of the British Sociological Association and editor of the association's journal Sociology. His research focuses on family sociology, gender studies and especially men's studies.