Individualism and Families: Equality, Autonomy and Togetherness

What does "equality" within couples really mean? How can we resolve tension between our needs as individuals with the needs of our families? Almost all women and men claim that gender equality within their relationships is the ideal. In practice, however, equality is not predominant within many couples and families. This book develops current debates about individualization within families--particularly how partners understand and resolve tensions between the need for togetherness and personal autonomy, and how partners view and work with increasing gender equality. Individualism and Familiesis based on a large Swedish study from two of the foremost European experts on the sociology of the family. The study looks particularly at partnering, parenting, intimacy, commitments, attitudes to finances and gender divisions of labor. This book will be invaluable reading for academics and students in sociology, family studies, gender studies and other applied social sciences.