This comprehensive introduction to marriage and the family combines the most current research base with an emphasis on family background and diversity. It presents a positive perspective on families and focuses on the importance of public and social policy in the lives of families. Each chapter concludes with a section on public policy and critical thinking questions. The text makes research and statistics easy for students to follow and understand, and it integrates cultural diversity throughout.

Preface Chapter 1: Intimate Relationships, Marriages and Families in the Twenty-first Century Chapter 2: Gender: Indentity and Roles Chapter 3: Being Single Chapter 4: Attraction and Dating Chapter 5: Love and Mate Selection Chapter 6: Qualities of a Successful Marriage Chapter 7: Marital Relationships over the Family Life Style Chapter 8: Work, Family Roles, and Material Resources Chapter 9: Power, Decision Making and Communication Chapter 10: Sexual Relationship Chapter 11: Family Planing and Parenthood Chapter 12: Pregnancy and Childbirth Chapter 13: Parent- Child Relationships Chapter 14: Parents and Extended Family Relationship Chapter 15: Conflict, Family Crisis, and Management Chapter 16: The Family and Divorce Chapter 17: Coming Together: Remarriage and Stepparenting