Families and States in Western Europe

This collection examines the relationship between families, states and civil society in the major countries of Western Europe since 1945.

Quentin Skinner (Edited by)

9780521762571, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 May 2011

220 pages, 2 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.48 kg

"...the twenty-five contributors to these insightful collections offer multiple points of contact to the reader of European history." -Leslie Page Moch, The Journal of Modern History

This collection of essays traces the relationship between families and states in the major countries of Western Europe since 1945, examining the power of states to shape family life and the capacity of families to influence states. Written by an exceptionally distinguished team of scholars, Families and States in Western Europe follows many narratives, allowing comparisons to be drawn between different countries. The essays point to numerous convergences, illustrating how states have coped with common problems arising at the level of family life, and exploring issues such as secularism, the pressure of multiculturalist demands and the growing rejection of welfare state principles. Families and States in Western Europe will be of interest to anyone analysing relations between civil society and the modern democratic state, and the place of the family within this relationship. This collection makes a significant contribution to current political theory and to our understanding of European family life in its many different forms.

1. A theoretical framework David Runciman
2. Britain Deborah Thom
3. France Sarah Howard
4. Germany Adam Tooze
5. Ireland Tony Fahey
6. Italy Paul Ginsborg
7. The Netherlands Anneke van Doorne-Huiskes and Laura den Dulk
8. Scandinavia Maria Ågren
9. Spain Natalia Mora-Sitja.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD]