Nazi Family Policy, 1933-1945

(Paperback)

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Although the Third Reich has been extensively researched, there has been no thorough examination of Nazi policy towards the family. In tackling this important subject this book provides profound insights into German society under Hitler and represents a significant contribution to the existing literature on the Third Reich. The book first explores the nature of Nazi family ideology and gives an overview of various aspects of Nazi family policy, including the impact of eugenics upon population policy and issues such as marriage, divorce, contraception, abortion and welfare measures. This is followed by a consideration of the dissemination of Nazi family ideals by means of education and socialization. The book examines families at different ends of the spectrum in Nazi Germany - model families which served to define the Nazi ideal of the kinderreich family, as well as undesirable families that did not fit into the national community. In particular, asocial and Jewish families are vigorously examined -- the former representing the socially unfit and the latter, the racially inferior or alien. The book also presents an overview of the regime's ultimate legacy for the family in post-1945 Germany, not least the effects of World War II, and gives an overall assessment of the regime's family policy and a discussion of how the Nazi period fits into the framework of the history of the German family.

Reviews

'Lisa Pine's book is an important contribution towards the study of a largely neglected aspect of life in Germany. Wide-ranging in scope, it should become required reading for students studying this subject.' Michael Burleigh, University College Cardiff, Wales 'Her work on 'child-rich' and 'asocial' familities . . clearly illustrates the extent to which race permeated both Nazi ideology and policy and the connection (or lack thereof) between the two.' Helen Boak 'A good introduction to the subject, with worthwhile material on 'valuable' large families, 'asocial' and Jewish families, in particular.' History 'Very succesful in providing us with an overview of the various Nazi population and racial projects.' The Journal of Holocaust Education

Author Bio

Lisa Pine South Bank University