Shifting the Center: Understanding Contemporary Families

Shifting the Center: Understanding Contemporary Families

Publisher
SAGE
Published
2019
Pages
668
ISBN-13
9781506368276
Format
print
Language
English

Shifting the Center: Understanding the Contemporary Family 5e is a popular anthology of readings used in Sociology of Family and Marriages/Families/Intimate Relationship courses. …

Book Summary
Shifting the Center: Understanding Contemporary Families, edited by Susan J. Ferguson, is a comprehensive anthology for sociology of family courses. It compiles readings from leading researchers and classic studies, following the scope of top family textbooks. This fifth edition provides students with diverse perspectives on modern family structures, making it an essential resource for understanding the complexities of contemporary family life.
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About Shifting the Center: Understanding Contemporary Families

Shifting the Center: Understanding Contemporary Families is a widely used anthology in sociology of family and intimate relationships courses. Edited by Susan J. Ferguson, this fifth edition brings together carefully selected readings from leading family researchers, drawing from top scholarly journals and classic book-length studies. The table of contents mirrors the scope and sequence of leading family survey texts, ensuring alignment with course curricula. The collection covers a broad range of topics, including family diversity, gender dynamics, parenting, and social change. By presenting multiple perspectives, the book encourages critical thinking about contemporary family issues. It serves as a valuable supplement to standard textbooks, offering students deeper insights into the sociological study of families.

Who should read Shifting the Center: Understanding Contemporary Families?

This book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in sociology of family, marriage and family, or intimate relationships courses. It is also valuable for instructors seeking a diverse collection of readings to supplement their curriculum. Researchers and professionals in family studies, social work, and counseling will find it a useful reference for understanding contemporary family dynamics and scholarly perspectives.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Comprehensive collection of readings from leading family researchers
  • ✓ Aligns with the scope and sequence of major family textbooks
  • ✓ Provides diverse perspectives on contemporary family issues
  • ✓ Encourages critical thinking and analysis
  • ✓ Edited by a respected scholar in the field
Cons
  • ✗ May be too specialized for general readers
  • ✗ Some readings could be dense for introductory students
  • ✗ Lacks original commentary beyond the selected articles
  • ✗ Edition updates may not include the latest research
  • ✗ Price may be high for a supplementary anthology
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for self-study?
While it can be used for self-study, it is primarily designed for classroom use and may require background knowledge in sociology for full comprehension.
Does this edition include recent research?
The fifth edition includes updated readings, but as with any anthology, some selections may not reflect the very latest studies.
Is there an instructor's guide available?
The book is often used with instructor resources; check with the publisher for availability of supplementary materials.
How does this differ from a standard textbook?
It is an anthology of original readings rather than a single-authored text, offering varied voices and perspectives instead of a unified narrative.
Is this book appropriate for community college courses?
Yes, it is commonly used in both two-year and four-year institutions, though instructors may need to provide additional context for some readings.

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