How has the structure of the British family evolved in response to industrialization and the changing nature of work? Michael Young and Peter Willmott investigate the transition from the traditional, segregated family unit to a more egalitarian, symmetrical model where roles within the household are increasingly shared between partners. The authors utilize extensive survey data and historical analysis to argue that the rise of the 'symmetrical family' is a direct consequence of increased leisure time, higher standards of living, and the shifting economic landscape of the mid-20th century.

Sociologists frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the evolution of domestic roles in modern society. While some contemporary critics argue that the authors were overly optimistic about the degree of symmetry achieved, the book remains a standard reference for historical family studies.