From Library Journal
The introduction of this book states, "Controversy over fatherlessness has emerged at the center of debates over welfare, poverty, sexuality, divorce, family values, and `racial disorder.'" Despite the importance of fatherlessness to debates on such major issues, there is no general agreement among scholars and policymakers on even the most basic questions (Are more children today living without fathers? Are fathers needed? Is there a relationship between fatherlessness and crime or poverty?). These issues are explored extensively here in essays by nine family-studies scholars. These pieces, drawn from a 1996 conference at Rutgers University, reach no conclusions, but an interesting and multifaceted discussion is provided. Although a number of recent books discuss fatherlessness (e.g., David Popenoe's Life Without Father, LJ 2/1/96), this book makes a solid and learned contribution to the public policy discussion. A worthwhile purchase for academic and larger public libraries.?Mary Jane Brustman, SUNY at Albany Libs.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
...offer challenging insights into an issue that is likely to remain contentious in the future. -- Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
