This textbook on the sociology of family provided by Eshleman (Wayne State U.) and Bulcroft (Western Washington U.) describes the social, cultural, and relationship contexts surrounding the concept of the family in the US. Its history, transformation, and contemporary issues are outlined, and subsequent chapters cover marriage, social class differences, families of diverse races, partnering, premarital and nonmarital relationships, nonmarital sexuality, the parental system, parent-child interaction, the aging family, violence, divorce, remarriage, and family social policy. The new edition has more on history, a longer chapter on disciplinary and theoretical methods, extended study features, and centers on institutional processes. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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