This text investigates how the rapid expansion of global political, economic, and cultural systems fundamentally reshapes the structure and function of families worldwide. Authors Meg W. Karraker and Susan J. Ferguson bridge the gap between family studies and globalization theory, providing a framework for understanding how macro-level shifts manifest in domestic life. By synthesizing interdisciplinary research, the authors argue that families are not merely passive recipients of global change but are active participants navigating new demographic, economic, and security landscapes.

The text serves as a foundational academic introduction, offering a structured, interdisciplinary approach to a complex sociological subject. Its focus on specific thematic areas provides a clear, analytical lens for students and researchers to evaluate the intersection of global systems and private life.