The Shaking of the Foundations: Family and Society

In his book Family and Marriage in Britain, Professor Ronald Fletcher provides a critical review of the family in society today, examining the changes since the 1969 Divorce Reform Act and emphasizing the continuing importance of the family in modern society. He also explores the relation between family life and the deeper long-term changes of the twentieth century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1988, the esteemed author of the classic "Family and Marriage in Britain" (1962), Professor Ronald Fletcher, presents a fresh and insightful appraisal of the family in contemporary society. This comprehensive work spans a wide range of topics and adopts a straightforward and accessible writing style, reflecting the author's thoughts on the family and marriage in Britain during the 1980s.

Since the 1969 Divorce Reform Act, there has been a growing sense of concern and vocalization regarding trends such as divorce, marital breakdown, and the increasing instability of the family. However, discerning and accurately assessing these changes has proven to be challenging, as statistical records often require reliable interpretation. In this regard, Ronald Fletcher delves into these ongoing anxieties and conducts a thorough and critical review of the changes and statistics at hand.

Professor Fletcher approaches the study of the family from two interconnected perspectives: as both an agent and a symptom of change. He delves deeply into the intricate relationship between family life and the profound long-term transformations that have unfolded throughout the twentieth century. These transformations include the disruptive experiences of world wars, the rapid pace of technological and social change, the multifaceted changes in communication, the spread of secularization, and the shifts in education. Fletcher seeks to uncover a profound and satisfying causal explanation for these developments, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the family's role in the broader context of societal change.

In his conclusion, Professor Fletcher emphasizes the enduring significance of the family and marriage in modern society. He recognizes that the family remains a vital institution, shaping individuals and contributing to the overall well-being of society. He further suggests that our social and educational policies must align with certain values and qualities of life if we are to sustain and nurture these essential aspects of our human experience.

The Shaking of the Foundations serves as a companion volume to "The Abolitionists" (1989), in which Ronald Fletcher critically examines the anti-family arguments of the preceding thirty years. This book provides a valuable counterbalance to the prevailing societal discourse and offers a thoughtful exploration of the complex dynamics and challenges facing the family in contemporary times.

Overall, "Family and Marriage in Britain" by Professor Ronald Fletcher is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the family in modern society. Through his insightful analysis and critical evaluation, Fletcher sheds light on the ongoing anxieties and transformations surrounding the family, providing valuable insights into its past, present, and future. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of family life and its impact on society as a whole.

Weight: 725g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032470481