Children and Separation

<p>Childhood separation and loss have become virtually a way of life for a large number of children throughout the world. Children separated from their genetic parent(s) and consequently their genealogical social and cultural roots due to processes such as adoption parental divorce/separation donor insemination single parenthood by choice and child trafficking can face social emotional and psychological difficulties.</p><p>This book explores the premise that a proper understanding of the complex inner world of modern day separated children and their psycho-social development requires a shift in focus or emphasis. It presents the notion of socio-genealogical connectedness as a new theoretical framework for studying and promoting these children's growth and development. This new theory simultaneously challenges and complements existing notions of psycho-social development including attachment theory and Erikson's psycho-social theory of personality development. Owusu-Bempah proposes that this sense of socio-genealogical connectedness is an essential factor in children's adjustment to separation and their emotional and mental health; much like those adopted separated children suffer a loss of genealogical continuity and hence loss of 'self'. This hypothesis is discussed and ultimately supported through both the author's own research and a broad selection of theoretical and empirical material from other areas.</p><p>The book further considers the implications of this notion of socio-genealogical connectedness for childcare policy and practice as well as directions for future research in this and related fields. <em>Children and Separation</em> is an invaluable resource for academics students and childcare professionals. The accessible style of the book ensures that it will also be useful to parents and anybody affected by childhood separation.</p>