Fragmented Families, Poverty, and Women's Reproductive Narratives in South Africa

Fragmented Families, Poverty, and Women's Reproductive Narratives in South Africa PDF Author: Kammila Naidoo
Publisher: Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd
ISBN: 1912234572
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
Fragmented Families addresses a central question in the demographic debates on poverty and fertility transition in southern Africa:. In what ways do women's recurrent encounters with poverty serve to shape their sexual unions, social relationships and reproductive practices? The book focuses on the lives of a group of mothers and daughters from fifteen families in a demarcated part of the Winterveld area in South Africa, and draws attention to historical, socio-cultural, political and economic concerns in order to place in context or make sense of reproductive dynamics and family life at the micro-level. Vignettes, drawn from fieldwork, highlight the particularities of the area: the persistence of historical tensions, diverse livelihoods and complex gender relationships. The intergenerational stories of the women suggest that they live with immense and increasing adversity and that strategies to contend with them sometimes include attempts to assert control over sexual encounters and reproductive outcomes. The book contributes to a continuing debate on how changing socio-economic conditions could influence prospects for and the nature of fertility transition in African countries. The study concurs with alternative arguments that shifts toward lower levels of fertility might be due, in certain contexts, to experiences of severe hardship rather than favourable economic circumstances. Instead of seeking security and risk-aversion through bearing many children the response of indigent women in this area has been largely to resist reproduction, at particular stages of their lives, whilst using sexual relationships and child-bearing as strategies to manipulate and secure resources. In reflecting on methodological approaches, the book draws attention to the limitations of survey research in efforts to elicit 'accurate' representations of reproductive behaviour and fertility preferences, and emphasises the usefulness of more engaged, qualitative and long-term fieldwork endeavours in building substantive insights on women's familial and reproductive lives.

Fragmented Families, Poverty, and Women's Reproductive Narratives in South Africa

Fragmented Families, Poverty, and Women's Reproductive Narratives in South Africa PDF Author: Kammila Naidoo
Publisher: Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd
ISBN: 1912234572
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
Fragmented Families addresses a central question in the demographic debates on poverty and fertility transition in southern Africa:. In what ways do women's recurrent encounters with poverty serve to shape their sexual unions, social relationships and reproductive practices? The book focuses on the lives of a group of mothers and daughters from fifteen families in a demarcated part of the Winterveld area in South Africa, and draws attention to historical, socio-cultural, political and economic concerns in order to place in context or make sense of reproductive dynamics and family life at the micro-level. Vignettes, drawn from fieldwork, highlight the particularities of the area: the persistence of historical tensions, diverse livelihoods and complex gender relationships. The intergenerational stories of the women suggest that they live with immense and increasing adversity and that strategies to contend with them sometimes include attempts to assert control over sexual encounters and reproductive outcomes. The book contributes to a continuing debate on how changing socio-economic conditions could influence prospects for and the nature of fertility transition in African countries. The study concurs with alternative arguments that shifts toward lower levels of fertility might be due, in certain contexts, to experiences of severe hardship rather than favourable economic circumstances. Instead of seeking security and risk-aversion through bearing many children the response of indigent women in this area has been largely to resist reproduction, at particular stages of their lives, whilst using sexual relationships and child-bearing as strategies to manipulate and secure resources. In reflecting on methodological approaches, the book draws attention to the limitations of survey research in efforts to elicit 'accurate' representations of reproductive behaviour and fertility preferences, and emphasises the usefulness of more engaged, qualitative and long-term fieldwork endeavours in building substantive insights on women's familial and reproductive lives.

The Special Mission of Grandparents

The Special Mission of Grandparents PDF Author: C.Margaret Hall
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0897897692
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description
By supporting and influencing their families and communities, grandparents—and those who act as grandparents—can play a key role in today's society. Their special mission is derived from a strong sense of purpose and direction that develops from making significant contributions to family life. These include compiling and recounting family histories, maintaining meaningful relationships among different generations, opening up family communications, explaining social changes, and participating in community life. With the aid of real-life examples of intergenerational family dynamics, the author—a clinical sociologist who has practiced family therapy for more than 25 years—presents principles, techniques, and perspectives for today's grandparents.

From Fragmentation to Wholeness

From Fragmentation to Wholeness PDF Author: Keith Umonwabisi Christopher Appolis
Publisher: University Press of America
ISBN: 9780761801320
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 204

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Book Description
This book proposes the creation of a family therapy model. The proposed model would stem from the particular circumstances of Black South African (or Azanian) families and would be context- and culture-specific. The author provides a documented account of the socio-economic and socio-political circumstances of the Azanian family. This account reveals the inextricable linkage between the Azanians family fragmentation, their condition of deprivation, and their perpetual experience of emotional upheaval. Next, the author argues that the same socio-economic and socio-political aspects which impinge upon the Azanian family are actually central to the family therapy theory and model, and, therefore, must not be ignored. The argument presented in this book demonstrates to readers how a community can be lead out of oppression and toward wholeness. This book will appeal to black and white academians and practitioners of therapy. From Fragmentation to Wholeness will be particularly appropriate for classes studying cultural diversity or the foundations for counseling and therapy. Contents: Foreword; Acknowledgments; List of Tables; List of Figures; The South African Scenario; The Genesis of Fragmentation; Fragmentation of Family; Family Therapy: A Critique of Two Major Schools.

Regulating Family Responsibilities

Regulating Family Responsibilities PDF Author: Jo Bridgeman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317068823
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 355

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Book Description
This collection brings together some of the most eminent and exciting authors researching family responsibilities to examine understandings of the day to day responsibilities which people undertake within families and the role of the law in the construction of those understandings. The authors explore a range of questions fundamental to our understanding of 'responsibility' in family life: To whom, and to what ends, are family members responsible? Is responsibility primarily a matter of care? Can we fulfil our family responsibilities by paying those to whom we owe responsibility? Or by paying others to fulfil our caring obligations for us? In each of these circumstances the chapters in this collection explore what it means to have family responsibilities, what constitutes an adequate performance of such responsibilities and the point at which the state intervenes. At the heart of this collection is an interest in the way in which the changing family affects people's perception and exercise their family responsibilities, and how the law attempts to regulate (and understand) those responsibilities. The essays range across intact and separated or fragmented families, from lone and shared parenting in single homes to caring across households (and even across international boundaries) to reflect on the actual caring responsibilities of family members and on the fulfilment of financial responsibilities in families. This collection seeks to advance our understanding of the attempts of the law, and its limits, in regulating the responsibilities which family members take for each other.

Connecting With Our Children

Connecting With Our Children PDF Author: Roberta M. Gilbert
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 0470311584
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
Parents want a special relationship with their children Parents care. They want to guide their children through the rough spots in life and help them make the right decisions. Research shows that a special parental connection is extremely important in safeguarding children against dangers such as substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, criminal activity, and suicide. This is more important than ever before in today's troubled world. But what does making this connection mean? Based on Bowen family systems theory, Connecting with Our Children shows parents how to build the connection found in better relationships. Now parents have a new way to think about and respond to family problems. The author examines common concerns, such as: * How substance abuse can repeat through generations * Why fusions between family members drive conflict * How family anxiety can erupt into violence * Whether stepfamilies can create a new family unit * What roles faith and humor play in a family * How effective are special contributions made by connections with grandparents Numerous practical examples and stories illustrate familiar situations and concerns, so that parents can learn how to deal with the often confusing situations surrounding their children, as well as those within their own lives. With a different perspective, parents can learn to overcome these difficulties, creating a stronger family and a happier, more open relationship between parent and child.

The Family in America [2 volumes]

The Family in America [2 volumes] PDF Author: Joseph M. Hawes
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1576077039
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 1108

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Book Description
An incisive, multidisciplinary look at the American family over the past 200 years, written by respected scholars and researchers. Family in America offers two powerful antidotes to popular misconceptions about American family life: historical perspective and scientific objectivity. When we look back at our early history, we discover that the idealized 1950s family—characterized by a rising birthrate, a stable divorce rate, and a declining age of marriage—was a historical aberration, out of line with long-term historical trends. Working mothers, we learn, are not a 20th century invention; most families throughout American history have needed more than one breadwinner. In the exciting new scholarship described here, readers will learn precisely what is new in American family life and what is not, and acquire the perspective they need to appreciate both the genuine improvements and the losses that come with change.

Responsibility, Law and the Family

Responsibility, Law and the Family PDF Author: Jo Bridgeman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 131706478X
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
Focusing on moral, social and legal responsibilities as opposed to rights or obligations, this volume explores the concept of responsibility in family life, law and practice. Divided into four parts, the study considers the nature of family responsibility; constructions of children's responsibilities; shifting conceptions of family responsibilities; and family, responsibility and the law. The collection brings together leading experts from the disciplines of sociology, socio-legal studies and law to discuss responsibilities prior to birth, responsibilities for children, as well as responsibilities of children and of the state towards family members. The volume informs and challenges the developing conceptualization of responsibilities which arise in interdependent, intimate and caring relationships and their legal regulation. It will be of great interest to researchers and practitioners working in this complex field.

Cinderella's Housework

Cinderella's Housework PDF Author: Paul Meinhardt
Publisher: First Edition Design Pub.
ISBN: 1622870034
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 117

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Book Description
STUNG BY THE ECONOMIC CRISIS? CINDERELLA'S HOUSEWORK TELLS HOW SECURE, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL FAMILIES CAN SAVE OUR ECONOMY. All that is precious and treasured is created by mothers, families, and households. And the real treasure is the creativity of the human mind to solve human problems and develop human ideas into wealth that will improve the condition of all people and the Earth.

Child and family services act, 1975

Child and family services act, 1975 PDF Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. Subcommittee on Children and Youth
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 806

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Book Description


Dysfunctional Families in the Wessex Novels of Thomas Hardy

Dysfunctional Families in the Wessex Novels of Thomas Hardy PDF Author: Lois Bethe Schoenfeld
Publisher: University Press of America
ISBN: 9780761831686
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 302

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Book Description
Examines how portrayals of families in Hardy's novels are used to comment on the socio-historical changes in Victorian England.