Blackwell Reference Online

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This chapter explores the interconnections between families and local communities. In it, we argue that local community context continues to be important for understanding how families operate, even though several processes such as globalization and individualization may be identified as tending to weaken the connection. This is because these processes are counteracted by the need for connectedness to others that, we suggest, helps to explain the continuing importance of local community influences on family life. In the second part, we discuss the significance of local community context for family relationships, both past and present; “family communities” and social order are the focus of Section III; and Section IV deals with social change in family and community life. The penultimate section elaborates on the theoretical and methodological developments in the field that have underpinned the advances in understanding that are discussed in the chapter. Throughout the chapter, we draw on a wide range of research, conducted in various countries, to examine the themes of each section. We conclude with a summary of key issues and an assessment of the ongoing relevance for family research of sociological accounts of community. It is useful for the reader to be aware of several general points about community studies and the connections between community and family before engaging with ... log in or subscribe to read full text