Issues

Series Editor Craig Donnellan

The 44-page booklets in this series, which already runs to more than fifty volumes, provide a convenient and efficient way of keeping up-to-date with important issues. They consist of a variety of ‘photocopiable’ resource books on different topics. If you want to keep abreast of today’s social issues - look at their website for a list of what has already been published. Sources include newspaper reports and features, general interest magazine articles, government surveys and statistics, and pressure group literature. The information comes from a wide variety of sources. There are also additional resources detailing information about organizations which offer further help.

   The Future of Marriage

The Future of Marriage is the fortieth volume in the Issues series. Gathering information from a wide variety sources, including government reports and statistics, newspaper and magazine articles, it looks closely at cohabitation, marriage, separation and divorce.

I found the article on ‘Young People’s Views’ from the National Children’s Bureau particularly interesting although, sadly, their comments make salutary reading. So does the evidence put before us by Jill Kirby (who chairs a family policy group at the Centre for Policy Studies) that children pay the price when their parents do not marry.

Statistics show us that marriage is on the rise after years of decline, but also that the number of weddings where one partner has been married before has risen by about forty percent, the highest it has ever been. According to the Office for National Statistics civil marriages now account for three in five weddings. And quoting from an article by Ben Summerskill: ‘At one in five weddings, both bride and groom have good reason to be word-perfect - they will both have attended their own weddings in the past.’

We are reminded that the comments in the different articles are not only about divorce, but the effects on children where a cohabitation relationship breaks down.

It all makes disturbing reading - not only about the number of broken hearts, but the financial cost of family breakdown. If you want to know about the impact of divorce and marriage on society, including ‘arranged’ marriages, read ‘The Future of Marriage’.

  Confronting Domestic Violence

The latest statistics show that one in four women in the UK experience domestic violence. The editor of Confronting Domestic Violence looks at the causes and effects of domestic violence and gathering together information from different organisation, including Women’s Aid Federation and Scottish Women’s Aid, and also considers the severely damaging consequences for children. It is a pity that the number of men on the receiving end of violence is not available perhaps because this is still a taboo area for society to focus on.

This book is packed full of articles and information, and also gives good guidance about seeking help and the range of services available. In fact Confronting Domestic Violence will tell you practically everything you need to know about this unhappy subject.

Confronting Domestic Violence is one of the latest additions to the UK’s first comprehensive reference source addressing contemporary social issues. For more information and to see a list of other titles visit www.independence.co.uk or email an order to issues@independence.co.uk. £6.95 plus postage and packing

  Ageing Matters

If you want to have the latest information about Alzheimer’s disease, you can read an article reprinted from the ‘Alzheimer’s Disease Society’. If you are concerned about discrimination against the elderly, then there is another article here for you to read. The UN principles for older people? Do you want to know more about life expectancy in the UK? All here, and much, much more.

  Disabilities

This book opens with an article from the Independent, ‘Prejudice is the worst handicap’. According to a survey, one-third of us think wheelchair users are stupid. And not only are they stupid, they complain too much! Although this article was written in 1998 I wonder if we have moved far from that prejudiced belief. The contents also include a look at unequal opportunities, legislation, and disabilities and learning. There are additional resources listed.

  Drug Misuse

Here is a comprehensive reference source for anyone wanting to know more about illegal drugs and the legislation debate. Do you want to be fully informed about the psychological effects of street drugs? Drug trafficking? The mental risks from smoking cannabis? And a whole host of related topics? Then it is all here at a surprisingly low cost. There is a list of additional resources if you want further information.

Review updated 29 September 2002 © Jill Curtis 2002

   £6.95 plus p&p

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