Martin P. M. Richards

This book is the fifth in the Cambridge Socio-Legal Group series and it concerns the evolving notions and practices of kinship in contemporary Britain and the interrelationship of kinship, law and social policy. Assembling contributions from scholars in a range of disciplines, it examines social, legal, cultural and psychological questions related to kinship. Rising rates of divorce and of alternative modes of partnership have raised questions about the care and well-being of children, while increasing longevity and mobility, together with lower birth rates and changes in our economic circumstances, have led to a reconsideration of duties and responsibilities towards the care of elderly people. In addition, globalisation trends and international flows of migrants and refugees have confronted us with alternative constructions of kinship and with the challenges of maintaining kinship ties transnationally. Finally, new developments in genetics research and the growing use of assisted reproductive technologies may raise questions about our notions of kinship and of kin rights and responsibilities. The book explores these changes from various perspectives and draws on theoretical and empirical data to describe practices of kinship in contemporary Britain

"Reproductive donation is the most contentious area of assisted reproduction. Even within Europe there are wide variations in what is permitted in each country. This multidisciplinary book takes a fresh look at the practices of egg, sperm and embryo donation and surrogacy, bringing together ethical analysis and empirical research. New evidence is offered on aspects of assisted reproduction and the families these create, including non-traditional types. One of the key issues addressed is should children be told of their donor origin? If they do learn the identity of their donor, what kinds of relationships may be forged between families, the donor and other donor sibling families? Should donation involve a gift relationship? Is intra-familial donation too close for comfort? How should we understand the growing trend for 'reproductive tourism'? This lively and informed discussion offers new insights into reproductive donation and the resulting donor families"--Provided by publisher.

Maternity care was the subject of intense campaigning early in this century. This collection of essays brings together historical and social perspectives to put these debates in context and chart how the present situation arose.

"The emergence of new empirical evidence and ethical debate about families created by assisted reproduction has called into question the current regulatory frameworks that govern reproductive donation in many countries. In this multidisciplinary book, social scientists, ethicists and lawyers offer fresh perspectives on the current challenges facing the regulation of reproductive donation and suggest possible ways forward. They address questions such as: what might people want to know about the circumstances of their conception? Should we limit the number of children donors can produce? Is it wrong to pay donors or to reward them with cut-price fertility treatments? Is overseas surrogacy exploitative of women from poor communities? Combining the latest empirical research with analysis of ethics, policy and legislation, the book focuses on the regulation of gamete and embryo donation and surrogacy at a time when more people are considering assisted reproduction and when new techniques and policies are underway"--Publisher's website.

Tackling issues relevant to family life today, thisauthoritative Companion shows why studying social change in families is fundamental for understanding the transformations in individual and social life, across the globe. Contains original essays by expert contributors on a wide range of topics relating to the sociology of families. Includes coverage of social inequality, parenting practices, children's work, the changing patterns of citizenship, and multi-cultural families. Gives special attention to European and North American examples. Discusses previously neglected groups, including immigrant families and gays and lesbians. Explores how revolutionary changes in aging, longevity, and sexual behavior have radically affected the experience of different generations, and the relationships between them.

Since its inception as an international principle to protect the welfare of patients and volunteers taking part in medical research, informed consent has become increasingly important within healthcare. Despite its ubiquitous status, there are a number of scholars who are beginning to question whether consent is adequate for contemporary biomedical research. This book considers a number of criticisms that have been levelled at the prominence given to autonomy, a central tenet underpinning the rationale for informed consent in Western bioethics. It raises questions about how quickly and easily this principle has been adopted, and how appropriate it is for those actively engaged in research. In the context of genetic research, for example, the individual's overriding right of autonomy to give consent to research could have huge implications for other members of their families. This book is a fascinating exploration of the inadequacies of consent, and will appeal to those in the fields of bioethics, socio-legal studies, sociology, and health law. Policy makers, research ethics committee members, and those healthcare professionals with an interest in medical ethics, will also find the book of interest.

"Till death do us part," "Forsaking all others": Marriage demands lifelong fidelity - at least in theory. Yet there is evidence that more than 50 percent of all partners have affairs at some time in their marriage. In this profoundly hopeful book about married couples facing transitions, overcoming pain, and sustaining marriage in the wake of infidelity, Janet Reibstein and Martin Richards outline their groundbreaking ideas about affairs and the healthy marriage. They show exactly what is wrong with the concept of marriage - that one's wife or husband will satisfy all of his or her partner's social and sexual needs. Highlighting the real stories of the many couples they have worked with in therapy, Reibstein and Richards demonstrate how the structure of marriage itself may encourage affairs. The greatest lover, the best father or mother, the perfect companion and best friend - we expect our partner to be everything to us, and inevitably the experience of marriage falls short of our expectations. But by identifying - and demolishing - the myths of marriage, the authors reveal how men and women can reconcile their fantasies with the reality they live every day. Elucidating the particularly vulnerable stress points in marriagesurprisingly, the first year is one - the authors demonstrate why affairs do not necessarily mean that a marriage has failed. The authors discuss the role of secrecy in marriage, and explain how affairs are very different for husbands and wives. (More women than ever are having affairs and, contrary to stereotype, they are having affairs that are primarily about sex, not love.) They also examine the impact of affairs on children. Sexual Arrangements is a revelatory book that will help reshape our understanding of how to make marriage fulfilling and enduring.