Author Description

This best-selling book introduces key theoretical perspectives on families, reflects the most current data and research, and uses cross-cultural comparisons to present the most comprehensive coverage of the family. The book uses a variety of theoretical frameworks (structural/functionalist, conflict, interactionist, exchange, developmental, and feminist) to describe and analyze society's contemporary families and diverse, nontraditional lifestyles. Separate chapters look at variations among American families by race and social class. For sociologists and those involved with counseling, teaching or social work centered on the family.