Mothers and Their Children A Feminist Sociology of Childrearing

"Ribbens raises important theoretical issues that should be considered by those working for a sociology of childrearing." --K. M. Daley-McKinley in Choice "There is no doubt that Jane Ribbens raises important theoretical issues that should be considered by those working for a sociology of childbearing." --Choice Childrearing is a topic that there is a surfeit of opinions and advice on, but little sociological research and analysis. Focusing on mothers' perspectives on this subject, Jane Ribbens reveals how differences in childrearing are rooted in fundamental concepts of the nature of social life and the place of the individual and the family within it. Discussing such broad cultural themes as family, individuality, and the nature of childhood, the author considers the impact of social constructs on the development of mothers' approaches to childrearing; empirical evidence further documents how the divisions between public and private are negotiated in daily life. Specific issues including the elements of parental time and control, the child's level of independence, and the diversity that must be reflected in a current definition of the "ordinary family" are also addressed. Juxtaposing vivid portraits of mothers' lives and concerns against a background of critical sociological concepts and debates, this enlightening volume will be an exceptional resource for students and professionals of family studies, sociology, women's studies, and developmental psychology. "Contradicting the often-heard statement that the English fancy their dogs more than their children, this thoughtful exploration by a British sociologist of the content and process of childrearing suggests otherwise. Author Jane Ribbens examines childrearing in southeast England from a feminist perspective. . . . Each working hypothesis becomes the matrix around which mothers respond to their children and thus may be helpful to providers in their understanding of mother-child systems of behavior." --Family Medicine "Jane Ribbens leaves you with no choice, in this thoughtful and provocative book, but to reevaluate your understanding of maternal caregiving. . . . Ribbens succeeds in opening our minds to new and different ways of thinking about old problems. She offers important insights about how to study mothering in ways that allow the voices of family members to be heard." --Journal of Marriage and the FamilyRibbens, Jane is the author of 'Mothers and Their Children A Feminist Sociology of Childrearing' with ISBN 9780803988354 and ISBN 0803988354.