Description: Engaging with novels written by African American authors, this volume explores their rich depictions of African American family life, showing how these can contribute to our sociological knowledge and making the case for the novel as an object and source of social research. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of the sociology of the fa
Review Quotes: '... the strength of this project is its ability to document how individual experiences of racism have correlating impacts on the family system. Of particular interest are the discussions of the impact of racism on communication within the family and on parenting. Recommended.' Choice 'This text is a powerful exploration of the private world of African American families. Race and racism are challenging topics and difficult to address in traditional research approaches. Here, the experiences of characters in novels by well-respected African American authors are examined through the lens of family systems theory, deepening our understanding beyond what we can learn from traditional approaches.' Kathleen R. Gilbert, Indiana University, USA 'Rosenblatt's innovative, illuminating thematic analysis compellingly synthesizes family systems social science, critical race theory, qualitative research, and narrative analysis. Building on a long career studying family responses to adversity, Rosenblatt's indispensable text inspiringly challenges academic boundaries and societal barriers that have made every-day racism and its consequences invisible outside of African American communities, offering a foundation for actualizing change.' Ester Shapiro, University of Massachusetts at Boston, USA