Designed for introductory courses on the sociology of the family in departments of sociology, social science, family science, family and child studies, nursing, and social work, this text is often cited as the most comprehensive and readable survey text available.The authors focus on themes of cultural diversity in contemporary society and examine the dynamic structure and definition of the institution of the family, using all basic theoretical frameworks to describe and analyze contemporary families and nontraditional lifestyles. This revised edition adopts a feminist framework and has been thoroughly updated.