This ethnographically-based exploration draws on sociological, historical and demographic data to provide a comprehensive analysis of family, gender and kinship in Australia, which informs modern kinship and gender at large. Allon Uhlmann charts the cultural basis that underlies kinship practices and argues that the Australian family is characterized by deep cultural and social continuities rather than the common view that the family is undergoing substantial change. He further shows how the modern family both shapes, and is shaped by, broad social and economic processes. This analysis provides greater insight into this critical field of practice as well as showcasing a novel analytical approach to practice that is rooted in the sociology of practice and in the anthropology of cognition. The book also suggests changes to the way in which social scientists currently treat family and kinship.

This ethnographically-based exploration draws on sociological, historical and demographic data to provide a comprehensive analysis of family, gender and kinship in Australia, which informs modern kinship and gender at large. Allon Uhlmann charts the cultural basis that underlies kinship practices and argues that the Australian family is characterized by deep cultural and social continuities rather than the common view that the family is undergoing substantial change. He further shows how the modern family both shapes, and is shaped by, broad social and economic processes. This analysis provides greater insight into this critical field of practice as well as showcasing a novel analytical approach to practice that is rooted in the sociology of practice and in the anthropology of cognition. The book also suggests changes to the way in which social scientists currently treat family and kinship.

This book addresses the complexity of family change. It draws on evidence from two linked studies, one carried out in the 1960s and the other in the early years of the 21st century, to analyse the specific ways in which family lives have changed and how they have been affected by the major structural and cultural changes of the second half of the twentieth century. The book shows that, while there has undeniably been change, there is a surprising degree of continuity in family practices. It casts doubt on claims that families have been subject to a process of dramatic change and provides an alternative account which is based on careful analysis of empirical data. The book presents a unique opportunity to chart the nature of social change in a particular locality over the last 50 years; includes discussions of social and cultural variations in family life, focusing on younger as well as older generations; explores not only what happens within family-households but also what happens within networks of kin across different households and shows the way changing patterns of employment affect kinship networks and how geographical mobility co-exists with the maintenance of strong kinship ties. The findings will be of interest to students of sociology, social anthropology, social policy, women's studies, gender studies and human geography at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

This collection defines the field of maternal studies in Australia for the first time. Leading motherhood researchers explore how mothering has evolved across Australian history as well as the joys and challenges of being a mother today. The contributors cover pregnancy, birth, relationships, childcare, domestic violence, time use, work, welfare, policy and psychology, from a diverse range of maternal perspectives. Utilising a matricentric feminist framework, Australian Mothering foregrounds the experiences, emotions and perspectives of mothers to better understand how Australian motherhood has developed historically and contemporaneously. Drawing upon their combined sociological and historical expertise, Bueskens and Pascoe Leahy have carefully curated a collection that presents compelling research on past and present perspectives on maternity in Australia, which will be relevant to researchers, advocates and policy makers interested in the changing role of mothers in Australian society.

This handbook brings the principles of human kinship in general, and Australian Aboriginal kinship in particular, closer to the reader in an understandable and pedagogic way. Aimed at a large public, including anthropologists, the handbook is divided into four parts: the historical and ethnographic background of important concepts such as 'culture', 'hunter-gatherer societies' etc.; the basic tools and notions needed to understand kinship (terminology, marriage, descent and filiation); an ethnographic analysis of the Australian Western Desert kinship and notions such as 'family', 'household' and 'domestic group'; a presentation of social organisation, in particular generational moieties, patri- and matrimoieties, sections and subsections. The concluding chapter discusses in a critical fashion the concept of kinship itself and elaborates on the idea of relatedness as a meaningful expansion.

From the future of work to the nature of our closest relationships, how do we understand the links between our personal troubles and wider public issues in society today? Now into its fourth edition, Public Sociology continues to highlight the relevance of a grounded sociological perspective to Australian social life, as well as encouraging students to apply a sociological gaze to their own lives and the communities in which they live. Public Sociology presents a wide range of topics in a user-friendly and accessible way, introducing key theories and research methods, and exploring core themes, including youth, families and intimate relationships, class and inequality and race and ethnic relations. All chapters have been extensively revised to bring them up to date in a fast-changing social world, reflecting the latest sociological debates in response to changing lifestyles and evolving political landscapes. In addition to updated statistics and research findings, an expanded glossary and the latest citations to the scholarly literature, the text features a completely new chapter on gender and sexualities with expanded discussion of LGBTIQ+. This new edition also explores contemporary issues ranging from the #MeToo movement to marriage equality, fake news and 'alt facts'. This is the essential sociological reference to help students make sense of a complex and challenging world. NEW TO THE FOURTH EDITION: * A new chapter on gender and sexualities and expanded discussion of intersectionality * Exploration of the latest social issues including #MeToo, rising inequality, and the 'post-truth' age * All chapters thoroughly revised and updated with the latest research * Updated book website with extra readings, YouTube clips, and case studies * A new feature, Visual Sociology, helps the reader analyse the power of visual messaging 'With a firm base in the richest traditions of the discipline and with a remarkably approachable format, this book offers an excellent introduction to a wide array of sociology's concerns, making it suitable for all Australian social science undergraduates.' Gary Wickham, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Murdoch University 'A sophisticated yet accessible introduction to social identities, differences and inequalities, and social transformations.' Jo Lindsay, Professor in Sociology, Monash University 'Sweeping and lucid...communicates with ease and simplicity.' Toni Makkai, Emeritus Professor, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University

Family, Law and Politics, Volume II of the Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures, brings together over 360 entries on women, family, law, politics, and Islamic cultures around the world.

Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork undertaken since 2006, the book addresses some of the most topical aspects of remote Aboriginal life in Australia. This includes the role of kinship and family, relationships to land and sea, and cross-cultural relations with non-Aboriginal residents. There is also extensive treatment of contemporary issues relating to alcohol consumption, violence and the impact of systemic ill health. This richly detailed portrayal provides a nuanced account of everyday endurance and social intensity on Mornington Island.

This book provides a detailed, up-to-date snapshot of Australian family formation, answering such questions as ‘what do our families look like?’ and ‘how have they come to be this way?’ The book applies sociological insights to a broad range of demographic trends, painting a comprehensive picture of the changing ways in which Australians are creating families. The first contemporary volume on the subject, Family Formation in 21st Century Australia chronicles significant changes in partnering and fertility. In the late 20th century, cohabitation, divorce and births outside marriage rose dramatically. Yet family formation patterns continue to evolve, requiring fresh analysis. Even since the turn of the century, divorce has stabilized and fertility has increased. Using information from the 2011 Australian Census and from large-scale surveys, leading Australian academics dissect recent trends in cohabitation, ‘living apart together’, marriage, interethnic partnering, relationship dissolution, repartnering, contraceptive use and fertility. Since there is more diversity in family formation patterns than ever before, the book also considers differences between groups within the Australian population. Which groups are more likely to marry, cohabit or have higher fertility? And how do patterns differ among indigenous, migrant or same sex attracted Australians?.