This popular sociology of family text introduces key theoretical perspectives, reflects the most current data and research, and uses cross-cultural comparisons to present the most comprehensive coverage of the family.
IN THIS SECTION: 1.) BRIEF 2.) COMPREHENSIVE BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. Defining the Family: Institutional and Disciplinary Concerns 2. U.S. Families: Historical Origins, Changes, and Contemporary Issues 3. Marriage and the Family: Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches 4. Social Class Variations 5. Race and Ethnic Variations 6. Partnering and Marriage Formation 7. Pre-Marital and Non-Marital Relationships 9. Non marital Sexuality 10. Transition to Parenthood 11. Parent-Child Interaction and Socialization 12. The Aging Family 13. Family Stress and Violence 14. Divorce and Remarriage 15. Family Social Policy COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS: * Every chapter ends with: -Summary -Key Terms and Topics -Discussion Questions -Further Readings PART I: UNDERSTANDING MARRIAGES AND FAMILIES ACROSS TIME AND PLACE Chapter1: Defining the Family: Institutional and Disciplinary Concerns Family as a Social Institution Families as Systems and Groups Characteristics of Marriage, Family, and Kinship Systems Chapter 2: U.S. Families: Historical Origins, Changes, and Contemporary Issues Historical Origins of the Modern Family in Europe and America Characteristics of Contemporary U.S. Families Contemporary U.S. Families and Other Social Institutions Issues and Changes in Contemporary U.S. Families Chapter 3: Marriage and the Family: Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches Sociology of the Family Social Science Approach to the Family Relationship between Research and Theory: The Scientific Process Research Methods and Statistical Concepts Theories and Frames of Reference Alternative Perspectives Appraisal and Expansion of Contemporary Family Theory PART II: SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXTS AND THE DIVERSITY OF FAMILIES IN THE UNITED STATES Chapter 4: Social-Class Variations Meaning of Social Class Determination of Social Class Consequences of Social Class to Families Social Categories of Families Programs and Policies to Help Families in Poverty Social Mobility: Changing Family Lifestyles Chapter 5: Race and Ethnic Variations Meaning and Significance of Race and Ethnicity African American Families Hispanic American Families Asian American Families Native American Family System PART III: RELATIONSHIP FORMATION PROCESSES AND NONMARITAL RELATIONSHIPS Chapter 6: Partnering and Marriage Formation Marriage Trends and Characteristics Purposes and Consequences of Marriage Systems of Partner Selection and Choice Patterns of Selection and Choice Chapter 7: Premarital and Non-marital Relationships Socio-cultural Context of Non-marital Relationships Processes of Status Change: Single to Married Nonmarital Cohabitation Chapter 8: Nonmarital Sexuality Social Regulation of Sexual Relationships Biological versus Sociological Approaches to Sexual Behavior The Social Dimensions of Sexuality Sexual Orientation Nonmarital Sexual Behavior Premarital Sexual Intercourse PART IV: LIFE COURSE CONDITIONS AND FAMILY DYNAMICS Chapter 9: The Marital System Transition to Marriage Division of Labor in Marriage Power in Conjugal and Intimate Relationships Marital Quality Marital Commitment and Stability Same-Sex Relationships Sex and Marriage Extramarital Sex Chapter 10: Transition to Parenthood Value of Children and Parenthood Fertility Transitions Consequences of Parenthood Young and Unwed Parenthood Family Size and Related Factors Chapter 11: Parent-Child Interaction and Socialization Socialization of Parents and Children Theories of Socialization Processes Socialization in Adolescence and Beyond Gender Identity and Sex-Role Socialization Parenting in Social Context Chapter 12: The Aging Family Postparental Period: The Middle Years Grandparent Status Families of Later Life and People Who Are Aged Common Problems of People Who Are Aged Socialization in Later Life Retirement Dying and Death Widows and Widowers PART V: FAMILY CRISIS AND SOCIAL POLICY Chapter 13: Family Stress and Violence Social Stresses on Families Violence in Families and among Intimates Chapter 14 Divorce and Remarriage Desertion and Marital Separation Annulment Divorce around the World Divorce in the United States Remarriages and Stepfamilies Chapter 15: Family Social Policy Meaning and Use of Family Policy Research on Family Policy Issues Surrounding Family Policy Future of the Family System Glossary Name Index Subject Index