Children, Family and the State

For anyone studying childhood or families, a consideration of the state may not always seem obvious, yet a good critical knowledge of politics, social policy and social theory is vital to understanding their impacts upon families’ everyday lives. Accessibly written and assuming no prior understanding, it shows how key concepts, including vulnerability, risk, resilience, safeguarding and wellbeing are socially constructed. Carefully designed to support learning, it provides students with clear guidance on how to use what they have read when writing academic assignments alongside questions designed to support the development of critical thinking skills. Covering issues from what the family is within a multicultural society, through issues around poverty, social mobility and life-chances, this book gives students an excellent grounding in matters relating to work with children and families. It features:• ‘using this chapter’ sections showing how the content can be used in assignments;• tips on applying critical thinking to books and articles – and how to make use of such thinking in essays;• further reading.

"Enlightening. This book's ability to entwine contemporary themes, the chronology of policy/practice and theoretical knowledge to relatable experience is what makes this a refreshing and compelling read." Dawn Lawrence, Staffordshire University"A book I wish I'd had when I was teaching sociology and politics - and when I was studying sociology and politics. A wonderful, friendly yet detailed, current yet timeless, account of each of the three topics of childhood, family and the state." Julian Stern, Bishop Grosseteste University

Rob Creasy is an independent researcher. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority and was previously subject director for social science at York St John University.Fiona Corby is Senior Lecturer in Education at Teesside University. She has extensive experience of working in children, youth and family services.

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