1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« This is the only synthesis to date of the historical literature on Canadian families. Designed for students at graduate and undergraduate levels, it not only introduces the key concepts and approaches of a developing field of study, but also summarizes the major issues and trends that affected Canadian families from 1850 to 1940. » (p. i)

3. Résumé

« By drawing out pertinent connections between the history of families in Canada and our wider national history, this book outlines some of the ways in which ’The infinite bonds of family’ have constituted themselves over the course of a near-century. To this end, I have borrowed from the published work of historians and historical sociologists who have studied Canadian family history and its many related topics for the years between 1850 and 1940. This ’nation-building’ period witnessed Confederation, westward expansion, the subjugation of Native peoples, industrialization, a ’war to end all wars’, women’s suffrage, and the worst economic depression of this century - to select but a few of list pivotal moments. » (p. 3)