In a thoroughgoing revision of the first edition of this classic text and reference, published by Plenum in 1987, the editors have assembled a distinguished group of contributors to address such topics as past, present, and future perspectives on family diversity; theory and methods of the family; changing family patterns and roles; the family and other institutions; and family dynamics and processes.

Introduction: Perspectives on Families as we Approach the Twenty-First Century - Challenges for Future Handbook Authors. I: Family Diversity: Past, Present, and Future. 1. Historical Analysis of the Family; S. McIssac Cooper. 2. Demography and Families; J.D. Teachman, et al. 3. Cross-Cultural and U.S. Kinship; B.N. Adams. 4. Comparative Perspectives; G.R. Lee. 5. Ethnic Variation in the Family: The Elusive Trend toward Convergence; R. Aponte, et al. 6. The Future of Families; B.H. Settles. II: The Family: Theory and Methods. 7. Classical Social Theory and Family Studies: The Triumph of Reactionary Thought in Contemporary Family Studies; B.S. Vargus. 8. Postmodernism and Family Theory; W.J. Doherty. 9. Methodological Pluralism and Qualitative Family Research; J.F. Gilgun. 10. Quantitative Methodology for Studying Families; A.C. Acock. 11. Measurement in Family Studies; W.R. Schumm, K.K. Hemesath. III: Changing Family Patterns and Roles. 12. Contemporary Family Patterns and Relationships; J. DeFrain, D.H. Olson. 13. Socializing Children and Parents in Families; G.W. Peterson, D. Hann. 14. Adolescence in Contemporary Families; S.K. Steinmetz. 15. Family Relations in Adulthood; J. Treas, L. Lawton. 16. Gender and Family Relationships; A.J. Walker. 17. Marital Dissolution: Divorce, Separation, Annulment, and Widowhood; K.A. Faust, J.N. McKibben. IV: The Family and Other Institutions. 18. Families and Religions; P.Wittberg. 19. Economics and the Family; P.S. Carlin. 20. American Families and American Law; D.M. Rosen. 21. Families and Work; L. Haas. 22. Exploring Family and Health Relationships: The Role of Genetics, Environment, and Culture; D.E. Crews, H. Balcazar. 23. Strengthening Families: Policy Issues for the Twnety-First Century; P. Moen, K.B. Forest. V: Changing Family Patterns and Roles. 24. Family Dynamics: An Essay on Conflict and Power; J. Sprey. 25. Family Communication; G.G. Whitchurch, F.C. Dickson. 26. Family Abuse and Violence; J. Langley Miller, et al. 27. Human Sexuality; R.T. Francoeur, L.L. Hendrixson. 28. Theories and Techniques of Marital and Family Therapy; N.J. Kaslow, et al. Index.