Rethinking Children and Families: The Relationship Between Childhood, Families and the State

Description

Rethinking Children and Families considers the way we approach the complex relationship between childhood, families and the state, and explores the contested nature of the terms childhood, family and state. Theoretical and practice-based perspectives are discussed within the context of recent key developments. Examples of research, reflections on research and key points and guidance on further reading make this a really accessible text. Rethinking Children and Families is essential reading for those studying childhood at undergraduate and graduate level, and will be of great interest to those working with children in any field.

Nick Frost is Professor of Social Work (Childhood, Children and Families) at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK. Previously, he was Senior Lecturer in Child Welfare at the University of Leeds, UK, for 15 years, and has held posts as a social worker and a policy officer.

This text is systematically set out, and although the subject matter is highly complex, the content is fairly easy to access and follow. The aim of the book is set out in the introductory chapter, 'To explore the complex nature of the relationship between childhood, families and the State', which it achieves through unpicking the layers that make up this complex hierarchy. To help the reader through this exploration, each chapter begins with a clear introduction and key questions making intentions clear all the way through the book. Professor Frost uses research and reflection to guide the reader in analysing key points, while maintaining an unbiased position ... Useful reading for anyone studying the sociology of childhood. -- Julie Gariazzo * Research in Teacher Education * Rethinking Children and Families presents an accessible guide that navigates the reader through the multifaceted sociological position of children and families. Building on the foundations of historical studies, Professor Frost usefully draws upon key texts to chart the development of children and families within socio-political discourse in a way that is inspiring and encouraging in equal measure ... The accessible and straightforward structure of this book makes it a valuable text for anyone wishing to develop an understanding of the relationship between children, families and the state. -- Dan Allen, Edge Hill University, UK * Children & Society * 'This book makes a timely and stimulating contribution to the sociology of childhood, set in an historical context and drawing on a range of significant research and theorising. Clearly written and containing useful ideas for reflective activities and further reading, Professor Frost's admirable book will be particularly relevant to students at an undergraduate level, including those on professional courses, who wish to develop their understanding of the complex and changing relationship between children, families and the State.' Helen Masson, Professor of Social Work (Children and Young People), University of Huddersfield, UK 'A clearly written and informative introductory text on a subject of enormous contemporary significance, namely those complex relationships that exist between the state welfare apparatus, parents and carers, and children and adolescents. This book will be of considerable benefit to those students (and their teachers), on a variety of courses, who are looking for a guide to the debates, dilemmas and challenges of the subject matter, an overview of some of the recent research, and the implications of such research and debate for children's lives. It is certainly a worthy addition to the New Childhood series.' Harry Hendrick, Associate Fellow, University of Warwick, UK 'This is an exciting new review of the dynamic relationships between children, families and the state. It incorporates a substantial amount of new evidence about this critical subject for those concerned with the well-being of children and families. It also achieves the clever task of being both accessible and 'user-friendly' whilst at the same time being original, thought-provoking and insightful. This book should be a key resource for a wide range of students and many others with an interest in this fundamentally important subject matter.'Roger Smith, Professor of Social Work Research, De Montfort University, UK 'A fascinating and erudite analysis of the meaning of childhood particularly at the context of families and the State. It brings together research, theory and political debate and provides a very clear and accessible exposition of complex concepts - and most importantly makes it clear why they matter. It will stimulate and challenge professionals who work with children in a wide range of settings, encouraging us to acknowledge, question and rethink how we frame childhood in our own work and our services.' Jane Lewis, Director, Research in Practice - Supporting evidence-informed practice with children and families, UK Brilliant book that discusses all of the areas a student may come into contact with during an early childhood studies course or during their working life afterwards. -- Katherine Cartmell, Liverpool John Moores University, UK