The American family [electronic resource] : from obligation to freedom / David Peterson del Mar.

1st ed.

9780230339668 (electronic book)
9780230337442
9780230337459

New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.

English

1 online resource (211 p.)

HQ535 .P48 2011eb

306.850973

"This book traces the movement from mutualism to individualism in the context of American family life. Throughout American history, families survived or even flourished during colonization, the Revolution, slavery, the industrial revolution, immigration, and economic upheaval because reliance on others was patently necessary. But in the past century, unprecedented prosperity both freed Americans from mutual dependence and created a culture devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and individual fulfilment. This shift from obligation to freedom has turned the maintenance of durable, rewarding families into a countercultural act, one that requires a conscious decision to qualify the American commitment to freedom"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Access limited to authorized users.

Description based on print version record.

Online Resources > Ebooks
All Resources