Changing Sociological Construct of the Family, 1930-1986

<P>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</P><br>This study is available via the UK Data Service <a href="http://discover.ukdataservice.ac.uk/QualiBank/">Qualibank</a>, an online tool for browsing, searching and citing the content of selected qualitative data collections held at the UK Data Service.<br>
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This study uses in-depth interviews to build up a picture of one large and complex working-class family. Using a small sample from the population of the Isle of Sheppey, the interviews cover sources of support and help for family members. The relative importance of neighbours, family and official state-provided services are also examined. "We were interested in everything, from help with marital problems to day-to-day assistance with baby sitting or borrowing the traditional cup of sugar". <br>
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The research supports the proposition that the family is best understood as a system of relationships that change over time. Findings also question the view that equate the family with the household.<br><br><B>Main Topics</B>:<BR><br>Families; family life; kinship; households; life cycle; marriage; child care; everyday life; neighbours; friends; community life; employment; household income; working class.<br>