The shadow of marriage: Singleness in England, 1914-60
This book stakes out new territory within an exciting, emerging field of study. Not only does it uncover the history of a neglected group, but it also offers valuable insights into the significance of marital status which are equally relevant to current debates on marriage and family.

The book examines representations and experiences of men and women who never married between 1914 and 1960, drawing upon an exceptionally wide range of sources including biographies, oral histories, novels, films, government statistics and social surveys. An introductory chapter on work and non-familial lifestyles highlights the significance of age, generation and gender. The main focus in the rest of the book is on unmarried men and women's intimate, sexual, familial and professional relationships. These raise important questions about how these categories have been defined and expose power relations between married and single people. The material on adult/child relationships is particularly innovative. The author probes the boundaries of the nuclear family in the mid-twentieth century through her account of the high levels of interest and involvement in children's care and education by unmarried women as well as largely invisible relationships between children and unmarried men.

As the first major study of the history of single women and men in England, this will be a valuable resource for researchers and students in social history, gender studies, women's studies, social policy and sociology. Its accessible style and the inclusion of personal material from the author's life and family will undoubtedly also attract a wider readership.

1102795557
The shadow of marriage: Singleness in England, 1914-60
This book stakes out new territory within an exciting, emerging field of study. Not only does it uncover the history of a neglected group, but it also offers valuable insights into the significance of marital status which are equally relevant to current debates on marriage and family.

The book examines representations and experiences of men and women who never married between 1914 and 1960, drawing upon an exceptionally wide range of sources including biographies, oral histories, novels, films, government statistics and social surveys. An introductory chapter on work and non-familial lifestyles highlights the significance of age, generation and gender. The main focus in the rest of the book is on unmarried men and women's intimate, sexual, familial and professional relationships. These raise important questions about how these categories have been defined and expose power relations between married and single people. The material on adult/child relationships is particularly innovative. The author probes the boundaries of the nuclear family in the mid-twentieth century through her account of the high levels of interest and involvement in children's care and education by unmarried women as well as largely invisible relationships between children and unmarried men.

As the first major study of the history of single women and men in England, this will be a valuable resource for researchers and students in social history, gender studies, women's studies, social policy and sociology. Its accessible style and the inclusion of personal material from the author's life and family will undoubtedly also attract a wider readership.

29.95 In Stock
The shadow of marriage: Singleness in England, 1914-60

The shadow of marriage: Singleness in England, 1914-60

by Katherine Holden
The shadow of marriage: Singleness in England, 1914-60

The shadow of marriage: Singleness in England, 1914-60

by Katherine Holden

Paperback

$29.95 
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Overview

This book stakes out new territory within an exciting, emerging field of study. Not only does it uncover the history of a neglected group, but it also offers valuable insights into the significance of marital status which are equally relevant to current debates on marriage and family.

The book examines representations and experiences of men and women who never married between 1914 and 1960, drawing upon an exceptionally wide range of sources including biographies, oral histories, novels, films, government statistics and social surveys. An introductory chapter on work and non-familial lifestyles highlights the significance of age, generation and gender. The main focus in the rest of the book is on unmarried men and women's intimate, sexual, familial and professional relationships. These raise important questions about how these categories have been defined and expose power relations between married and single people. The material on adult/child relationships is particularly innovative. The author probes the boundaries of the nuclear family in the mid-twentieth century through her account of the high levels of interest and involvement in children's care and education by unmarried women as well as largely invisible relationships between children and unmarried men.

As the first major study of the history of single women and men in England, this will be a valuable resource for researchers and students in social history, gender studies, women's studies, social policy and sociology. Its accessible style and the inclusion of personal material from the author's life and family will undoubtedly also attract a wider readership.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780719068935
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Publication date: 03/18/2010
Series: Gender in History Series
Pages: 257
Product dimensions: 8.50(w) x 5.43(h) x 0.57(d)

About the Author

Katherine Holden is a Research Fellow in History at the University of the West of England.

Table of Contents

List of tables

Acknowledgements

List of abbreviations

1. Introduction: The prince may yet come

2. 'Consider her palaces': Work, housing and life styles

3. Family standbys: Brothers, sisters, daughters, sons

4. Relations without a name: Sex and intimacy

5. Mad or bad? Parenthood outside marriage

6. 'A world clamouring for motherhood': Adoption and fostering

7. Family romances: Aunts and uncles

8. Interest and emotion: Professional and paid work with children

9. Conclusion: 'Other' lives

Appendices

Select bibliography of secondary sources

Index
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