Synopses & Reviews
This is a much-needed sociological review of stepfamily life, examining the particular issues and challenges which people in stepfamilies face. Combining published studies and original fieldwork, it focuses on the internal dynamics of stepfamily households as well as the relationships sustained with those outside the household.
Synopsis
Drawing on recent developments within the sociology of family life, this book examines family connection and solidarity within different stepfamily networks, focusing on relationships from a kinship perspective andusing casestudies of people's experiences to explore how family connection is constructed within different stepfamilies."
About the Author
Graham Allan is Professor of Sociology, Keele University. Graham Crow is Professor of Sociology, University of Southampton. Sheila Hawker is at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southampton.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Analysing Stepfamilies
3. Case Illustrations
4. Family Boundaries
5. Step-mothering Step-children
6. Step-fathering Step-children
7. Stepfamily Kinship
8. Conclusion: Change and Continuity