This interdisciplinary volume surveys the diverse experiences of
biracial families, both across and outside the black/white binary. The
book examines the deep-rooted social contexts that inform the lifespan
of interracial families, from dating and marriage through the stages of
parenthood, as well as families' unique responses and realities. Through
a variety of structures and settings including blended and adoptive
families, contributors describe families' strengths and resilience in
meeting multiple personal and larger social challenges. The intricacies
of parenting and family development are also revealed as an ongoing
learning process as parents and children construct identity, culture,
and meaning.
Among the topics covered:
- Social constitutionality of race in America: some meanings for
biracial/multiracial families.
- Interracial marriages: historical and contemporary trends.
- Racial socialization: a developmental perspective.
- Biracial families formed through adoption.
- Diverse family structures within biracial families.
- Racial identity: choices, context, and consequences.
Addressing lingering gaps in the existing literature and highlighting
areas for future study, Biracial Families gives readers a fuller
understanding of a growing and diversifying population. Its depth and
breadth of coverage makes the book an invaluable reference not only for
practitioners and researchers, but also for educators and interracial
families across the spectrum.
