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.

Product Description: This is a survey text for sociology of family courses. The author uses all basic theoretical frameworks, structural, functional, interactionist, developmental, life course, exchange, feminist, sociobiological and conflict, to describe and analyze contemporary families and non-traditional lifestyles...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: Noted for its focus on applied sociology, this text clearly demonstrates how sociological concepts can be useful to students in their personal lives and careers