Reinventing the Family in Uncertain Times: Education, Policy and Social Justice

This edited volume explores the reproduction and transformation of family norms in contemporary times, considering non-traditional family structures and the impact of power relationships on gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and dis/ability.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This edited volume delves into the intricate dynamics of family norms in contemporary times, situated within a backdrop of far-right politics advocating for a revival of conservative identity politics and traditional family values. Building upon the social movements of the late 20th century that challenged essentialist and functionalist notions of identities and families, it explores a diverse range of non-traditional family structures. Comprising chapters authored by scholars from Argentina, Ghana, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the book raises critical questions about what constitutes a family in modern times and examines the ways in which power discourses, operating within institutional and geographical contexts, shape the recognition and valuation of families. The volume also includes in-depth analysis of various non-traditional and non-heteronormative families, including single-parent families, childless families, families with animal companions, LGBTQ families, families from the Global South, mixed heritage families, and families of friends. Drawing upon post-structuralist, critical, and feminist theories, the contributors engage in a lively discussion of how power relationships intertwined with gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality, dis/ability, and other in/equalities intersect and shape the definition of what counts as a family. This thought-provoking exploration offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of familial relationships and their significance in shaping society.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350287105