Children, families and parenthood

Our research concerns families' everyday lives, norms and notions of parenthood and the best interest of the child, and the responsibilities of the welfare state. We study Swedish and global contexts through historical and contemporary perspectives.

Research projects

The Assessment of Prospective Adoptive Parents

Becoming a parent involves a highly private decision. However, adults who want to adopt a child must open their private lives to institutional scrutiny. In this project we study the assessment process preceding an adoption.

Two children walking along a road with their back turned to the camera.

Recruitment, assessment and collaboration in foster home care

The rights of children to stable foster care placements has lately been emphasized. At the same time there is a shortage. Why is that so and what can bed done about it? We want to find possible answers and address current and future challenges.

The welfare of the child and the reproductive rights of adults

Is it a right to have biological children? Should treatment with conception be available to all, or should availability be restricted? We study how Swedish legislation and fertility clinics deal with these ethical dilemmas.

Researchers

Senior Associate Professor

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Coordinator

Ann-Charlotte Münger

Associate Professor, Docent

Johanna Sköld

Professor, Head of Unit

Anette Wickström

Senior Associate Professor

Madeleine Wirzén

Assistant Professor

Organisation

Silhouettes of several children in the sunset

Child Studies (TEMAB)

Education and research at Child Studies is about childhood and family with a focus on interaction and language, children's culture and consumption, and childhood over time and space, all to better see the perspectives of children and young people.

Department of Thematic Studies (TEMA)

In an increasingly complicated world, there is a need for researchers that can handle both breadth and depth, and can collaborate across disciplinary borders. Major societal questions are studied from an interdisciplinary perspective at TEMA.