Stepfamilies are not a modern phenomenon; but despite this reality; the history of stepfamilies in America has yet to be fully explored. In the first book-length work on the topic; Lisa Wilson examines the stereotypes and actualities of colonial stepfamilies and reveals them to be important factors in early United States domestic history. Remarriage was a necessity in this era; when war and disease took a heavy toll; all too often leading to domestic stress; and cultural views of stepfamilies during this time placed great strain on stepmothers and stepfathers. Both were seen either as unfit substitutes or as potentially unstable influences; and nowhere were these concerns stronger than in white middle-class families; for whom stepparents presented a paradox.Wilson shares the stories of real stepfamilies in early New England; investigating the relationship between prejudice and lived experience; and; in the end; offers a new way of looking at family units throughout history and the cultural stereotypes that still affect stepfamilies today.
#1509077 in Books Ingramcontent 2016-09-05 2016-09-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1467119164176 pagesThe Underground Railroad in the Adirondack Town of Chester
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