Modern Families
Stories of Extraordinary Journeys to Kinship
By Joshua Gamson, Melissa Harris-Perry | Publisher: NYU Press
About the book
A personal, intimate account of the extraordinary ways that today’s families are being created.
From adoption and assisted reproduction, to gay and straight parents, coupled and single, and multi-parent families, the stories in Modern Families explain how individuals make unconventional families by accessing a broad range of technological, medical and legal choices that expand our definitions of parenting and kinship. Joshua Gamson introduces us to a child with two mothers, made with one mother’s egg and the sperm of a man none of them has ever met; another born in Ethiopia, delivered by his natural grandmother to an orphanage after both his parents died in close succession, and then to the arms of his mother, who is raising him solo.
These tales are deeply personal and political. The process of forming these families involved jumping tremendous hurdles—social conventions, legal and medical institutions—with heightened intention and inventiveness, within and across multiple inequities and privileges. Yet each of these families, however they came to be, shares the same universal joys that all families share.
A companion for all those who choose to navigate the world of modern kinship, Modern Families provides a “fascinating look at the remarkable range of experiences that is broadening the very idea of family” (Booklist).
Editions of Modern Families
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781479869732
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9781479842469
Read an Excerpt
A personal, intimate account of the extraordinary ways that today’s families are being created.
From adoption and assisted reproduction, to gay and straight parents, coupled and single, and multi-parent families, the stories in Modern Families explain how individuals make unconventional families by accessing a broad range of technological, medical and legal choices that expand our definitions of parenting and kinship. Joshua Gamson introduces us to a child with two mothers, made with one mother’s egg and the sperm of a man none of them has ever met; another born in Ethiopia, delivered by his natural grandmother to an orphanage after both his parents died in close succession, and then to the arms of his mother, who is raising him solo.
These tales are deeply personal and political. The process of forming these families involved jumping tremendous hurdles—social conventions, legal and medical institutions—with heightened intention and inventiveness, within and across multiple inequities and privileges. Yet each of these families, however they came to be, shares the same universal joys that all families share.
A companion for all those who choose to navigate the world of modern kinship, Modern Families provides a “fascinating look at the remarkable range of experiences that is broadening the very idea of family” (Booklist).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Modern Families about?
A personal, intimate account of the extraordinary ways that today’s families are being created.
From adoption and assisted reproduction, to gay and straight parents, coupled and single, and multi-parent families, the stories in Modern Families explain how individuals make unconventional families by accessing a broad range of technological, medical and legal choices that expand our definitions of parenting and kinship. Joshua Gamson introduces us to a child with two mothers, made with one mother’s egg and the sperm of a man none of them has ever met; another born in Ethiopia, delivered by his natural grandmother to an orphanage after both his parents died in close succession, and then to the arms of his mother, who is raising him solo.
These tales are deeply personal and political. The process of forming these families involved jumping tremendous hurdles—social conventions, legal and medical institutions—with heightened intention and inventiveness, within and across multiple inequities and privileges. Yet each of these families, however they came to be, shares the same universal joys that all families share.
A companion for all those who choose to navigate the world of modern kinship, Modern Families provides a “fascinating look at the remarkable range of experiences that is broadening the very idea of family” (Booklist).
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Modern Families?
Health, Relationships and Personal development > Family and health > Relationships and families: advice, topics and issues
Where can I read a sample of Modern Families?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781479869732
How long is Modern Families and how many pages does it have?
Modern Families has 240 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Modern Families?
Joshua Gamson, Melissa Harris-Perry
Who is the Publisher of the book Modern Families?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Modern Families is available as paperback(ISBN 9781479869732) and altformat(ISBN 9781479842469)
Where can I buy Modern Families online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Modern Families from below
Where can I buy Modern Families?