The Sociology of Generations

This book suggests that the enduring problem of generations remains that of knowledge: how society conceptualises the relationship between past, present and future, and the ways in which this is transmitted by adults to the young. Reflecting on Mannheim's seminal essay 'The Problem of Generations', the author explores why generations have become a focus for academic interest and policy developments today. Bristow argues that developments in education, teaching and parenting culture seek to resolve tensions of our present-day risk society through imposing an artificial distance between the generations.

Bristow's book will be of interest to students and scholars in the fields of Sociology, Social Policy, Education, Family studies, Gerontology and Youth studies.

Critically analyses the field of sociology of generations Combines examples from the UK and USA Offers historical and contemporary insights

Autorentext

Jennie Bristow is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, and an associate of the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies.

Inhalt

1.Why study generations?.- 2. Fresh contacts, education, and the cultural heritage.- 3. Teachers, the end of ideology, and the pace of change.- 4. 'Safeguarding', child protection and implicit knowledge.- 5. Gender and the intimate politics of reproduction.- 6. Conclusion