Author asks what is new ‘normal’?

One

AUTHOR: Clare Payne

PUBLISHER: MUP

RRP: $19.99

REVIEWER: Mary Ann Elliott

MORE adults than ever are now living alone; one quarter of all households in Australia are currently single-person households.

The norm for families has shifted; typically, parents and children followed the traditional pattern inherited from their mother, father and siblings.

Clare Payne is a globally recognised leader for her work in ethics in finance and commitment to social issues; additionally she is a former employment lawyer and an accomplished marathon swimmer.

Her book is a timely reminder that the paradigms have shifted, and Payne asks, just what is “normal”?

In spite of the demographic shift, myths abound and prejudice is common.

There are harsh (often unspoken) perceptions about single people as well as others in the workplace.

A lack of understanding and empathy, and too-quick judgements of others prevail.

As a single mother, Clare certainly felt this, often having to fit in with the prevalent notion of “what’s right”.

Living alone is the biggest social change of recent times and one that we have so far failed to recognise or identify. It has wide-ranging implications that we’ve not yet come to grips with; housing demands, community services, insurance and much more.

Living alone is often a genuine life choice, not a transitional state between teenage and adulthood (apart from the elderly living apart from relatives). We need to embrace a more inclusive society and learn to recognise the worth and value of every individual. Clare Payne’s book is important and eminently readable.

‘‘ WE NEED TO EMBRACE A MORE INCLUSIVE SOCIETY AND LEARN TO RECOGNISE THE WORTH AND VALUE OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL. CLARE PAYNE’S BOOK IS IMPORTANT AND EMINENTLY READABLE.