In The Stuff of Family Life (Sociology Professor Michelle Janning offers a timely look at how modern society and technology shapes our relationships and our lives. Like an archaeologist studying ancient civilizations through the things they left behind, Janning excavates contemporary life through our houses and possessions, from childhood stuffed animals and security blankets to retirement homes and senior living centers.
What does where you store old love letters say about their significance? Why do adults feel out of place in their childhood bedrooms? Janning takes readers through the stages of life – from dating and marriage to parenting and aging – that are usually kept behind closed doors. From online valentines to the growing popularity of “man caves,” The Stuff of Family Life looks not only at what large demographic studies say about family dynamics but also what our lives—and the stuff in them—say about how we relate to each other.
Janning has joked, “I am not a sociologist who uses large national datasets to illustrate family life; I’m the sociologist who asks people to examine what’s in their underwear drawers and living rooms to tell stories about their family life.” Using amusing anecdotes, as well as drawing on pop culture, economics, interior design, gender studies and more, Janning combines the educational with the entertaining to make The Stuff of Family Life accessible to both casual readers and dedicated students of sociology.
My Thoughts: This book really was truly interesting. I have been on a "mini kick" of ridding my home of clutter (or at least thinking about it!) and this book helped me understand some of the "whys" about my stuff. If you are looking for a fun book that focuses on why we cherish (or not!) the things in our homes in our lives this is a wonderful summer read. You can pick up your copy today on Amazon....
Win It! I am thrilled to tell you that one lucky Reviewed by Mom reader will win a copy of The Stuff of Family Life by Michelle Jannings. Thanks so much to the sponsor and good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
36 comments:
"Leave a comment below telling me a "thing" that you hold onto from your life." Possessions are mere illusions, my child.
I have a small ogeltine cup from my grandmother that my mom also used and I used and my children used from 1909
My family.
Anything with stripes and a denim skirt!
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I hold onto photo's.
I hold on to greeting cards
Magazines I haven't read yet.
I tend to hold onto birthday cards! I love the pretty pictures on the front and the nice messages inside from my loved ones!
I hold onto tickets from events I've been to
I hold on to letters from my grandfather.
lots of little things, pictures that were drawn, greeting-cards, etc. report-cards.
My kids artwork.
My moms artwork and pics.
I still have my very first stuffed animal.
Pictures!
I've held onto the quilt my grandmother hand sewed for my doll carriage.
i hold on to the videos and pictures.
I hold onto the cards I've gotten from my husband over the last 40 years. He is really good at picking the perfect card and writing the perfect thing in them.
I still have the 1st DVD I ever got
I hold on to cards and letters from family and friends but I also have all of my kids papers too!
A family member's necklace.
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
I hold on to all my old school papers, cards I got from people, really everything lol. Not a hoarder but def a pack rat if it has a memory.
I hold "onto" cards that friends & family has sent me over the years!!~
I love to hold onto crafts that my family makes!
I hold onto the drawings my kids created for me when they were tiny. The are precious and irreplaceable. Thank you!
I hold on to everything-it's a problem.
I hold onto cards!
I have a teddy bear that I received as a baby.
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I hold on to everything but I would say school things!
Pinned https://www.pinterest.com/pin/369224869441826089/
Everything of my children's. I love to save there stuff.
I hold onto pictures. I also hold onto special Mother's Day keepsakes. :D
I hold onto my kids' papers too but, mainly their "firsts" from their first year: baby blanket, hair clipping, outfit, etc and special items through the years.
I hold onto my work from college.
FB Commented on https://www.facebook.com/reviewedbymom/posts/1520178268005383 from Michelle Catallo
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