Muscat: A new academic book titled "Family and Childhood: A Sociological Analysis of Contemporary Transformations in the Sultanate of Oman" has been published by Bain Al Sutoor Publishing House. The book examines shifts in family and childhood structures in Oman from a sociological and educational perspective, against the backdrop of changes linked to education, urbanisation, women's employment, technology, the digital space and artificial intelligence.

According to Oman News Agency, the work is the result of a joint research collaboration between Dr. Hilal bin Ahmed Al Habsi, Dr. Humaid bin Musallam Al Saeedi, Dr. Ahmed bin Said Al Hadhrami and Dr. Amal bint Abdullah Al Harmali. It explores the reality of the Omani family and its contemporary transformations, and their impact on socialisation patterns, value formation and social relations within society.

Across seven interconnected chapters, the book provides a conceptual grounding for issues of family, childhood and social change, drawing on sociological theories to understand contemporary transformations. It then analyses the Omani family's reality, particularly the shift from extended to nuclear family structures, and the effects of education, urbanisation, women's employment and technology on family structure and functions.

The book also examines childhood in Omani society, children's rights, socialisation institutions, and the impact of digital transformations on parenting, along with the psychological and social challenges that arise. It considers challenges facing the family and offers scenarios for future change, exploring the role of social policies and educational institutions in supporting families in the digital age.

The authors raise questions about the contemporary family's ability to remain a fundamental unit in building society and guiding behaviour, and whether the family can retain its primary role in shaping children's perceptions amid the expanding digital space and new patterns of social interaction.

The book concludes with findings and recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions and families on protecting childhood, strengthening family cohesion and preserving cultural identity, making it a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and those concerned with family and community development.