Allan Westerling – författare

With the conditions of parenthood constantly changing, this book examines the reconfiguration of parenting as well as the political, institutional and personal conditions that play a role in its development.Juhl and Westerling take a social psychological approach to the state of Denmark’s early childhood education policy, and the influence of government legislature on everyday family life. With contributions from guest authors Hansen, Lyndelse & Stegeager, the volume seeks the answers to significant questions: What does the current political focus on early learning mean for parents and family living? How do transnational political agendas become meaningful in everyday life of parents and young children? How do new generations of parents come to understand themselves in the light of contemporary institutionalisation of parenthood? The discussion and answers to these questions shed light on the complexity of family practices and the perspectives of parents.The book is relevant and insightful for researchers and scholars in family policy, parenthood and early childhood education and care. It can also be used by early childhood educators and care practitioners, as well as policymakers. Moreover, students at the postgraduate level who study education, psychology and sociology will also benefit from this volume.

Drawing on extensive empirical research, this book examines paternal involvement in caregiving practices and asks what is currently happening to ‘involved’ fatherhood? The book investigates fatherhood in various everyday settings, such as outdoor spaces, workplaces and the home, while considering the influence of policy frameworks across different European countries. By analysing fathers’ experiences and the impact of policy on familial roles, it provides fresh insights into the concept of ‘involvement’ and progression towards practices of more equitable fatherhood. Encouraging new thinking on paternal engagement, this is a critical look at how fatherhood is navigated, negotiated and understood within diverse cultural and policy contexts in everyday life.

This edited collection shows that good parenthood is neither fixed nor stable. The authors illustrate how different versions of parenthood coexist and how complex sets of actions are demanded to fulfil today’s expectations of parenthood in Western societies.