Includes bibliographical references and index.

Putting 'family' in perspective -- Examining family diversity across history and culture -- Twentieth-century developments -- Exploring the many facets of personal life and family -- Ethnic/racial diversity in families -- Families that challenge conventional patterns -- Other family matters -- Toward change: social policies for families .

This completely updated, second edition offers articles that together develop a systematic understanding of family. It focuses not only on the dynamics of childcare, sexuality, and daily cohabitation, but also on the way that these patterns are shaped by the larger social culture. While some of the readings examine cross-cultural and historical variations in family patterns, highlighting the social organization of things that otherwise seem "natural," the bulk of articles focus on the social relations of sexuality and intimacy, reproduction, parenting, and living together. Because these relations are typically gender relations, a concern with gender inequality is constant throughout the book. Compelling and insightful, this timely work synthesizes a broad range of approaches for all those interested in sociology of the family or women's studies.