The shadow of marriage Singleness in England, 1914-60 [Paperback]

Newly available in paperback, this book examines representations and experiences of men and women who never married between 1914 and 1960, drawing upon an exceptionally wide range of sources including biographies, oral histories, novels, films, government statistics and social surveys.

The book discusses the significance of age, generation and gender in work and non-familial lifestyles, and unmarried men and women's intimate, sexual, familial and professional relationships. Important questions are raised as to how these categories have been defined, and power relations between married and single people are exposed.

Examining the boundaries of the nuclear family in the mid-twentieth century, the book highlights the high level of involvement in children's care and education by unmarried women as well as largely invisible relationships between children and unmarried men.

As the first major study of the history of single people in England, this will be a valuable resource for researchers and students in social history, gender studies, women's studies, social policy and sociology.

List of tables

Acknowledgements

List of abbreviations

1. Introduction: The prince may yet come

2. 'Consider her palaces': Work, housing and life styles

3. Family standbys: Brothers, sisters, daughters, sons

4. Relations without a name: Sex and intimacy

5. Mad or bad? Parenthood outside marriage

6. 'A world clamouring for motherhood': Adoption and fostering

7. Family romances: Aunts and uncles

8. Interest and emotion: Professional and paid work with children

9. Conclusion: 'Other' lives

Appendices

Select bibliography of secondary sources

Index

Katherine Holden is a Research Fellow in History at the University of the West of England.