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A study of the transition to parenthood in Barking and Dagenham, examining the experiences of UK-born and migrating parents

A study of the transition to parenthood in Barking and Dagenham, examining the experiences of UK-born and migrating parents

Simmons, David H. (2014) A study of the transition to parenthood in Barking and Dagenham, examining the experiences of UK-born and migrating parents. PhD thesis, University of Greenwich.

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Abstract

This thesis takes a grounded theory approach to researching the lives of 15 couples from the East London borough of Barking and Dagenham: new migrants and UK-born second generation couples, all of whom had recently become parents. The couples were interviewed between 3 − 12 months postpartum, and the interviews transcribed and coded. Themes surrounding the parents’ experiences of childbirth were explored, as were their feelings about their place in the local community, issues of social cohesion and personal identity.

As the data were being transcribed, theoretical concepts then began to emerge: a loss of personal control within the health care system; the use of the internet as a resource for new families and also to create family cohesion across continents; becoming a new family and the responsibility which that entailed; geographical transitions; isolation; issues of social cohesion and multiculturalism; and concepts of place, home and personal identity. Findings were viewed through a Ecological Systems theoretical framework (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).

The study is relevant to providers of community and health care services, local authority and national policy makers who have a responsibility for developing such services and regenerating post-industrial areas.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information: uk.bl.ethos.646795
Uncontrolled Keywords: parenthood, second generation migrants, London
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified: 16 Jan 2017 16:52
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/13324

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