Feuds About Families: Conservative, Centrist, Liberal, and Feminist Perspectives

Rating:
Summary: Essential Book for Teacher Education!
Review: As a professor of general elementary education, I have adopted Dr. Benokraitis' FEUDS book as a required text for both undergrad. and graduate courses. Although some of my students are initially surprised that I chose a "sociology" book for teacher education, they soon realize that virtually all of the topics Dr. B. addresses in her book are lived-out realities for public school teachers! The book provides an excellent platform for self-reflection and group discussion and equips my students with the skills and knowledge needed for proactive, positive engagement with children and families who represent the full continuum of perspectives portrayed in the FEUDS book.

The book's strengths are numerous. Of particular note is the comprehensive manner in which each topic is addressed. Further, the academic rigor employed by the author contributes to a text that is authoritative in content. Finally, the approach used by Dr. B. in compiling each chapter is unique, in that she succeeds in her quest to educate--NOT indoctrinate--the reader.

In summary, I strongly recommend this book for college courses in teacher education. My students and I wish to convey our appreciation to Dr. B. for compiling such a unique and essential text!

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Model for Understanding Politics and Family
Review: The real power of this book is found in the first article written by the editor. She outlines each of the three primary perspectives on the family and politics by stating the reasons why the family is in crisis, what the consequnces of the factors on the family, and what this political perspective indicates are the public policy solutions. The book has "readings" from each point of view on issues of interest like abortion, crime, etc. The reading are very enlighting and useful. I gave it four stars because she only provides one reading for the liberal/feminist perspective. I do believe they somewhat different and should get a "reading" each. Thanks to the author for her hard work. My students in family studies love it. It is a real eye openner to the issues of politics and family.