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Families
A Social Class Perspective



August 2011 | 184 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
A brief, impactful book that provides a contemporary analysis of how economics and social class affects the concept of family today.

This book focuses on the impact of economic systems and social class on the organization of family life. Since the most vital function of the family is the survival of its members, the author give primacy to the economic system in structuring the broad parameters of family life; that is, the economy shapes the prospects families have for earning a decent living by determining the location, nature, and pay associated with work. Taking a broad global and historical approach, the book recognizes and explores how the broader economy shapes family life and examines the organization of family life across the social class hierarchy.

 
Series Preface: Contemporary Family Perspectives
 
Author Preface
 
Introduction: Family Studies and Social Inequalities
 
1. The Evolution of Families and Marriages
 
2. Theorizing Social Inequalities
 
3. Elite and Upper-Class Families
 
4. Middle-Class Families: Stability and Change
 
5. Economically-Marginal Families: Living on the Edge
 
6. Families in Global Economic Context
 
Bibliography
 
Index
 
About the Author

This book will be useful for undergraduate and MSc students of family business. Like most family business scholars, the author argues from the position that families are primarily economic units. Chapter 2 is of the most use to business students, as it covers the intersection between sociological and economic theories. The downside is that the literature and empirical evidence is mostly from the US. However, it is a good starting point for students to find out more about the emergent field of family sociological theory.

Mrs Udeni Salmon
Salford Business School, Salford University
June 7, 2016

A refreshing read placing today's family in a sociological analysis. Coverage of all classes provides a holistic sense of understanding.

Ms Jodie Low
Applied Social and Community Studies, Derby Univ.
July 21, 2014

easy to read. Good for referencing and students find the text student friendly

Mrs Helen Hurst
Social Work Studies, Warrington Collegiate
November 19, 2013

This is an excellently written text but it's emphasis on American society makes it a bit niche for me to recommend it to my current students.

Mrs Lucy Huby
Dept of Care and Social Sciences, Moray College
October 6, 2013

It is a good supplement to the text I am using for my course. Marriage and the Family: Intimacy, Diversity, and Strengths. By D. Olson, J. DeFrain, and L. Skogrand

Mrs Marcia Cole
Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi
January 14, 2012

A good clear informative read. Families - A social class perspective, gives an up to date analysis for students studying the family. Good broad global perspective, I feel my students would have liked to have seen some images/charts/diagrams. I would recommend this book as a supplemental reader for those studying/researching the family.

Mrs Sunray Heap
General Education , Cardiff and Vale College
October 26, 2011

Will probably adopt for next semester's class. Very good book, but not what I need for this semester.

Dr Ann Strahm
Sociology Crim Justice Dept, California State University - Stanislaus
August 17, 2011

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