Family and Class in a London Suburb

The authors of "Family and Kinship in East London" conducted a study in a middle-class dormitory suburb, finding similarities between families and the East End. The bond between mother and married daughter was strong, and most old people were cared for by their children and relatives. The enquiry examined the influence of social class on community life, discussing club and church membership, friendship patterns, and class tensions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1960, the authors of "Family and Kinship in East London" embarked on an extensive study of a middle-class dormitory suburb. In this setting, families were more often on their own compared to the East End, although there were still some similarities between the districts. Notably, the bond between a mother and her married daughter remained nearly as strong in the suburb as in the city. Similarly, most older individuals were cared for by their children and other relatives in both places, although the authors shed light on the unique challenges faced by the elderly in this suburban context.

The enquiry delved into the impact of social class on community life, examining various aspects such as club and church membership, friendship patterns, and the behavior of middle and working-class individuals towards each other. It explored class tensions and their influence on the otherwise friendly and neighbourly atmosphere observed by the authors in the suburb. These tensions served as the central theme of the final chapters.

The authors conducted in-depth interviews with residents, collecting data on their social backgrounds, family structures, and daily lives. They also observed the social interactions and activities within the community, noting the patterns and dynamics that shaped the social fabric of the suburb. Through their research, the authors shed light on the complexities of family relationships, social hierarch.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032542393