Robert Coles and Jane Hallowell Coles

Franklin Library Robert Coles and Jane Hallowell Coles books

Women of Crisis: Lives of Struggle and Hope - Limited First Edition Society - 1978

Dr. Robert Coles biography

Robert Coles is an American psychiatrist, child psychologist, and author known for his significant contributions to the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social justice. Born on October 12, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, Coles has had a distinguished career as a scholar, educator, and writer. Coles earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and later completed his medical degree at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then pursued training in psychiatry and child psychiatry. Over the years, he has held various academic positions, including faculty appointments at Harvard University. Coles' work has focused extensively on the psychological and emotional development of children, especially in the context of social and cultural influences. He has conducted extensive fieldwork, including research on the impact of race and poverty on the lives of children. His influential book series, Children of Crisis, which includes multiple volumes, explores the experiences of children facing social, political, and economic challenges.

Children of Crisis is a landmark series of books written by Robert Coles, an American psychiatrist, child psychologist, and author. The series explores the impact of social, political, and economic crises on the lives of children in the United States. Robert Coles conducted extensive fieldwork and interviews to document the experiences of children facing various challenges and adversities. The series consists of five volumes, each addressing different aspects of the crises faced by children and their responses to these challenges.

Children of Crisis: A Study of Courage and Fear (1967): This volume focuses on the racial integration of schools in New Orleans during the early 1960s. Coles examines the psychological and emotional effects of desegregation on children and the responses of both white and black students.

Children of Crisis: Migrants, Sharecroppers, Mountaineers (1971): Coles turns his attention to the lives of children in different socio-economic contexts, including migrant families, sharecroppers, and children living in the Appalachian Mountains. The book explores issues of poverty, migration, and cultural displacement.

Children of Crisis: The South Goes North (1971): This volume explores the experiences of African American children who moved from the rural South to urban areas in the North during the Great Migration. Coles examines the challenges of adapting to new environments and the impact of racism on these children.

Children of Crisis: The Privileged Ones - The Well-Off and Rich in America (1986): Coles investigates the lives of children from affluent families, examining the challenges and expectations they face in a privileged environment. The book delves into the psychological impact of wealth and social status on children.

Children of Crisis: Vol. 5: Privileged Ones: The Well-Off and Rich in America (1995): This volume, an extension of the fourth, continues to explore the lives of privileged children in America. Coles examines the responsibilities and ethical questions that come with wealth.

Robert Coles' Children of Crisis series is widely praised for its depth of insight, empathy, and its contribution to the understanding of the psychological and emotional lives of children in diverse social and cultural contexts. The series reflects Coles' commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of narrative to illuminate the human experience.

In addition to his contributions to child psychology, Coles has been an advocate for social justice and civil rights. His commitment to understanding the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds is reflected in his numerous books and essays. Coles' approach to psychology is deeply humanistic, emphasizing the importance of empathy and social responsibility. Beyond his academic and clinical work, Robert Coles is a prolific author. He has written numerous books for both academic and general audiences, covering topics such as moral and ethical development, literature and psychology, and the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Some of his notable works include The Moral Life of Children, The Call of Stories: Teaching and the Moral Imagination, and The Secular Mind.

Throughout his career, Coles has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to psychology and literature. His interdisciplinary approach to understanding the human condition has left a lasting impact on both academia and the broader public, making him a respected figure in the fields of psychology, education, and social activism.

Women of Crisis - Lives of Struggle and Hope

Five women reveal their struggles, hopes, fears, and realities.