VDM Cashman, N: Subjectivity and Society

The primary historical focus of this book falls in the years between 1940 and 1970 and details the individual subject and how that child, adolescent or adult functions in particular situations. Each chapter covers specific experiences: an emotional journey toward one's sexual orientation; an urban experience of homosexuality; 1950s suburbia and interracial relationships; historical and legal concepts of interraciality; rural poverty and childhood trauma; communal responsibility and child abuse; and maturation and intergenerational relationships. Family, community and environment are threads that run throughout, accordingly, social, political and legal histories are engaged. Black feminist, trauma and gender theories are utilised along with sociological studies, child development and psychology. This approach has enabled close textual examination so as to ascertain how each writer deals with the relationship between subject and society.