Description:

The Family is a revision and substantial expansion of a core introduction to the sociological study of the family. The text surveys a great deal of important theory accompanied by an array of comparative descriptive information and illustration. It maintains a comparative and historical emphasis. The value of sociological theory is demonstrated when applied to family relations, emphasizing the complete relations between family systems and the larger social structure.

This edition incorporates new material and research findings on such key areas as the historical knowledge of the family, women, evolutionism, sociobiology, kin relations, and the wide variety of social units—families.