Sociology of Marriage and the Family Gender, Love, and Property

by Coltrane, Scott L.; Collins, Randall

• ISBN13: 9780534579609
• ISBN10: 0534579604
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-08-25
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

This sociological analysis of the system of marriage and family focuses on the family as an institution in society. It uniquely encompasses many facets of society, and students are able to learn about family seen through a cultural and historical perspective. The book sets a high conceptual standard, but uses informal writing and minimal jargon. It presents the perspectives of critical and questioning academics (feminists, progressives, anti-racists, independent-thinkers, cross-disciplinary types, etc.) within a scholarly, well-researched text. It addresses a host of real world issues and practical concerns.

Table of Contents

Part One Comparative and Historical Perspectives

Sociological Theory: Explaining Families in a Stratified Society

The Social Ingredients of Families: Gender, Love, and Property

History of the Family I: From Kinship Politics to Patriarchal Households

History of the Family II: The Love Revolution and the Rise of Feminism

Part Two Diversity in Modern Families

Family Trends: The Twentieth Century and Beyond

Families and Work: The Economy, Social Class, and Inequality

Race and Ethnicity: Understanding Structural and Cultural Differences

Part Three Love, Marriage, and Childbearing

Romantic Markets: Love, Cohabitation, and Marriage

Erotic Ties: Marital and Nonmarital Sex

Contraception and Reproduction: Making Babies an a Technological Age

Part Four Family Realities

Domestic Life: Housework, Power, and Marital Happiness

Raising Children: Motherhood, Fatherhood, and Socialization

Family Violence: Spouse Abuse, Child Abuse, and Elder Abuse

Part Five Family Changes

Uncoupling--Recoupling: Divorce, Remarriage, and Stepfamilies

Life Course Transitions: From Adolescence to the Aging Family

The Future: Social Policy and Family Well-Being