In this highly acclaimed work first published in 1974, Glen H. Elder Jr. presents the first longitudinal study of a Depression cohort. He follows 167 individuals born in 1920?1921 from their elementary school days in Oakland, California, through the 1960s. Using a combined historical, social, and psychological approach, Elder assesses the influence of the economic crisis on the life course of his subjects over two generations. The twenty-fifth anniversary edition of this classic study incl...

History carves its imprint on human lives for generations after. When we think of the radical changes that transformed America during the twentieth century, our minds most often snap to the fifties and sixties: the Civil Rights Movement, changing gender roles, and new economic opportunities all point to a decisive turning point. But these were not the only changes that shaped our world, and in Living on the Edge, we learn that rapid social change and uncertainty also defined the l...

A century ago, most Americans had ties to the land. Now only one in fifty is engaged in farming and little more than a fourth live in rural communities. Though not new, this exodus from the land represents one of the great social movements of our age and is also symptomatic of an unparalleled transformation of our society.In Children of the Land, the authors ask whether traditional observations about farm families—strong intergenerational ties, productive roles for youth i...

In 'The Orphans of Glen Elder,' Margaret Murray Robertson masterfully weaves a poignant narrative that explores themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for identity amid the stark realities of orphanhood. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Scotland, the novel employs richly descriptive language and lyrical prose that evoke both the beauty and tragedy of rural life. Robertson's distinctive style blends vivid character development with a strong sense of place, immersing readers in th...

In 'The Orphans of Glen Elder,' Margaret Murray Robertson weaves a poignant narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the evocative backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the story follows a group of orphans navigating their harsh realities amidst the rugged beauty of their surroundings. Robertson'Äôs lyrical prose and vivid descriptions immerse the reader in a world where nature and emotion intertwine, reflecting the Romantic literary ...

"The Orphans of Glen Elder: Margaret" by M. Robertson is a heartwarming and poignant tale set in the rugged landscapes of Glen Elder, where a group of orphaned children embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. At its core, the story follows Margaret, a spirited young girl who, despite facing numerous hardships, retains her optimism and determination to create a better life for herself and her fellow orphans.As Margaret and her companions navigate the challenges of orphanhood, ...

This book brings together prominent investigators to provide a comprehensive guide to doing life course research, including an “inside view” of how they designed and carried out influential longitudinal studies. Using vivid examples, the contributors trace the connections between early and later experience and reveal how researchers and graduate students can discover these links in their own research. Well-organized chapters describe the best and newest ways to:*Use surveys, life r...

Children live in rapidly changing times that require them to constantly adapt to new economic, social, and cultural conditions. In this book, a distinguished, interdisciplinary group of scholars explores the issues faced by children in contemporary societies, such as discrimination in school and neighborhoods, the emergence of new family forms, the availability of new communication technologies, and economic hardship, as well as the stresses associated with immigration, war, and famine. Th...

What are the most effective methods for doing life course research? The field′s founders and leaders answer this question, giving readers tips on: the art and method of the appropriate research design; the collection of life-history data; and the search for meaningful patterns to be found in the results.