Sociology of Families
- David M Newman - Colgate University
- Elizabeth Grauerholz - University of Central Florida, USA, Purdue University, USA
Marriage & the Family
Quotes from the first edition
"I think there is a genuine need for a text like this, and everyone I know who teaches a basic undergraduate family class says that they need a text like this. It's organized around current issues and changes in the family; it's 'reader friendly', grabbing students' interests; it makes connections between a sociological study of the family and the students' experiences; and it emphasizes 'diversity'—race, class, gender, and sexual orientation."
— JUDITH BARKER, Ithaca College
"Never before have I seen a text that offers such a unique and well-rounded view of the complexities of the family."
— KRISTIN BATES, California State University, San Marcos
" I like Newman's consistent attempt to connect personal troubles with social issues, a wonderful way to make social science come alive for undergraduates."
— DANA VANNOY, University of Cincinnati
Sociology of Families, Second Edition, begins at the level of the individual by examining familiar contemporary issues¾ topics students are likely to feel strongly about. David Newman and Liz Grauerholz next show students the deeper and more detailed sociological underpinnings of the issues at hand, using the theories and data of social sciences to understand the meaning and broader relevance of these controversies and experiences.
begins at the level of the individual by examining familiar contemporary issues¾ topics students are likely to feel strongly about. David Newman and Liz Grauerholz next show students the deeper and more detailed sociological underpinnings of the issues at hand, using the theories and data of social sciences to understand the meaning and broader relevance of these controversies and experiences.The book is divided into three parts that are distinct from one another in style, content, and purpose. Part I contains five relatively short essays that cover some of the key controversial topics and questions swirling around the topic of family today. Part II provides students with a peek into the tools, concepts, and theories that sociologists commonly use in understanding society. Part III is organized around important social forces impacting today's families.
New to the Second Edition:
- Improved implementation of "inductive" teaching style, upon which the book is based
- Revised demographic essays
- 2000 U.S. Census data incorporated throughout the text
- New visual essays
The 3-part organization replaces the 2-part structure of the first edition.
To visit the Student study site, please visit http://www.pineforge.com/newman2studyfamilies/
The hardcopy I received was from 2002.
This is an essential text, for any course exploring aspects of the family.
It covers all the major areas, including social and demographic trends and the impact of these changes on family structure. It also examines key theoretical approaches to the family, as well as highlighting challenging issues such as the dark side of the family.
The text is easy to read and understand for all levels of learners, ranging from level 3 through to undergraduate and beyond.
Although the major focus of the text is US, the key themes can be applied to families within the UK and Europe, making this text an essential read for any student exploring sociology of the family.
This book is essential for any course exploring the Sociology of the Family. Although it is generally focused on the family unit within the United States, it offers significant exploration of many of the core themes within this field of Sociology.
Published in 2002, some of the content, particularly the focus on gay marriage is somewhat dated, however, the focus on theory, social inequality and gender roles within families, remain as relevant today as it did when the book was initially published. Greater focus on families and social change within the UK, would certainly offer an improvement, however, the books detail overcomes this potential disadvantage.
The layout of the book is outstanding, it covers core themes in significant detail, allowing students to easily identify select the relevant areas. I would highly recommend this book to any institution offering courses exploring Sociology of the Family. It provides all the relevant details, in a concise and easy to understand way.
It's the best!
Perfectly suitable for students new to sociology and studying in this field.
This book is clear an concise and covers many key chapters relating to the sociology of the family such as, the study of family life, gender and families, race, ethnicity and families as well as sociological theory. A definite recommend to any undergraduate or postgraduates studying this area or, anyone with a keen interest in this area. The book is set out clearly and is reader friendly with picture pages that can be shown to groups of students for discussion.
interesting reading for sociology students . would recommend for tutors teaching.
A very useful text to dip in and out of with a particularly interesting chapter on gender in the family
A very comprehensive account of the key themes in the study of sociology of families. An excellent resource for students writing essays or preparing for exams.
Absolutely fantastic book. Well structured, accessible and relevant to the area. Bringing well constructued arguments to the fore for students to engage in. However, as it is a Sociology of the family in the US it can only be used comparatively.
Sage College Publishing
