"This is an important book that reminds us that too often parenting conveys the ideology of class. The contributions focus on the intimate connection between the professionalisation of parenting and the communication of class ideology, forcing us to rethink the issues at stake."

Professor Frank Furedi, Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent.

This timely book examines the connection between social class and parenting. It reveals how widening class inequalities have affected family life and parenting practices, and raises fundamental questions about class perceptions in policy and family support practice. Key issues addressed are:

• the rise of the 'professional' parent and the extent to which perceived good parenting is identified with middle-class values;
• the standardisation of parenting, and whether parenting classes are for reassurance or real learning;
• the relationship of class position to the construction of maternal moralities;
• the concept of the family as a transmission belt for the reproduction of class inequalities,
• working-class family values: how working-class families deal with challenges; the use of the deficit model in family support; the concept of the low income 'city survivor' family.

These issues are discussed by seven eminent contributors, in the context of recent government policies relating to family support, and relevant research. This important book will challenge all those involved in family policy and practice to reflect on current perceptions and will catalyse thinking about policies to improve the lives of families in Britain.

About the Editor

Dr Martina Klett-Davies is a Research Fellow at the Family and Parenting Institute and a Visiting Lecturer at the London School of Economics.