The Family

by Eshleman, J. Ross; Bulcroft, Richard A.

• ISBN13: 9780205578740
• ISBN10: 0205578748
• Edition: 12th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-11-05
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

This popular sociology of family text introduces key theoretical perspectives, reflects the most current data and research, and uses cross-cultural comparisons to present the most comprehensive coverage of the family.

Table of Contents

IN THIS SECTION:

1.) BRIEF

2.) COMPREHENSIVE

 

 

BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

1. Defining the Family: Institutional and Disciplinary Concerns

2. U.S. Families: Historical Origins, Changes, and Contemporary Issues

3. Marriage and the Family: Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches

4. Social Class Variations

5. Race and Ethnic Variations

6. Partnering and Marriage Formation

7. Pre-Marital and Non-Marital Relationships

9. Non marital Sexuality

10. Transition to Parenthood

11. Parent-Child Interaction and Socialization

12. The Aging Family

13. Family Stress and Violence 

14. Divorce and Remarriage

15. Family Social Policy

 

COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 * Every chapter ends with:

-Summary

-Key Terms and Topics

-Discussion Questions

-Further Readings

 

PART I: UNDERSTANDING MARRIAGES AND FAMILIES ACROSS TIME AND PLACE

 

Chapter1: Defining the Family: Institutional and Disciplinary Concerns

Family as a Social Institution

Families as Systems and Groups

Characteristics of Marriage, Family, and Kinship Systems

 

Chapter 2: U.S. Families: Historical Origins, Changes, and Contemporary Issues

Historical Origins of the Modern Family in Europe and America

Characteristics of Contemporary U.S. Families

Contemporary U.S. Families and Other Social Institutions

Issues and Changes in Contemporary U.S. Families

 

Chapter 3: Marriage and the Family: Disciplinary and Theoretical Approaches

Sociology of the Family

Social Science Approach to the Family

Relationship between Research and Theory: The Scientific Process

Research Methods and Statistical Concepts 

Theories and Frames of Reference 

Alternative Perspectives

Appraisal and Expansion of Contemporary Family Theory 

 

 

PART II: SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXTS AND THE DIVERSITY OF FAMILIES IN THE UNITED STATES 

 

Chapter 4: Social-Class Variations

Meaning of Social Class 

Determination of Social Class 

Consequences of Social Class to Families 

Social Categories of Families 

Programs and Policies to Help Families in Poverty

Social Mobility: Changing Family Lifestyles 

 

Chapter 5: Race and Ethnic Variations  

Meaning and Significance of Race and Ethnicity

African American Families

Hispanic American Families 

Asian American Families

Native American Family System

PART III: RELATIONSHIP FORMATION PROCESSES AND NONMARITAL RELATIONSHIPS  

 

Chapter 6: Partnering and Marriage Formation 

Marriage Trends and Characteristics

Purposes and Consequences of Marriage 

Systems of Partner Selection and Choice

Patterns of Selection and Choice

 

Chapter 7: Premarital and Non-marital Relationships 

Socio-cultural Context of Non-marital Relationships

Processes of Status Change: Single to Married 

Nonmarital Cohabitation

 

Chapter 8: Nonmarital Sexuality 

Social Regulation of Sexual Relationships 

Biological versus Sociological Approaches to Sexual Behavior

The Social Dimensions of Sexuality 

Sexual Orientation 

Nonmarital Sexual Behavior 

Premarital Sexual Intercourse 

 

 

PART IV: LIFE COURSE CONDITIONS AND FAMILY DYNAMICS 

 

Chapter 9: The Marital System 

Transition to Marriage 

Division of Labor in Marriage 

Power in Conjugal and Intimate Relationships 

Marital Quality 

Marital Commitment and Stability 

Same-Sex Relationships 

Sex and Marriage 

Extramarital Sex 

 

Chapter 10: Transition to Parenthood 

Value of Children and Parenthood

Fertility Transitions

Consequences of Parenthood 

Young and Unwed Parenthood 

Family Size and Related Factors 

 

Chapter 11: Parent—Child Interaction and Socialization 

Socialization of Parents and Children 

Theories of Socialization Processes 

Socialization in Adolescence and Beyond 

Gender Identity and Sex-Role Socialization 

Parenting in Social Context

 

Chapter 12: The Aging Family   

Postparental Period: The Middle Years 

Grandparent Status 

Families of Later Life and People Who Are Aged 

Common Problems of People Who Are Aged 

Socialization in Later Life 

Retirement 

Dying and Death 

Widows and Widowers 

 

PART V: FAMILY CRISIS AND SOCIAL POLICY 

 

Chapter 13: Family Stress and Violence 

Social Stresses on Families 

Violence in Families and among Intimates

Chapter 14   Divorce and Remarriage 

Desertion and Marital Separation 

Annulment 

Divorce around the World 

Divorce in the United States 

Remarriages and Stepfamilies 

 

Chapter 15: Family Social Policy 

Meaning and Use of Family Policy 

Research on Family Policy 

Issues Surrounding Family Policy 

Future of the Family System 

 

Glossary 

Name Index 

Subject Index