A Sociology Of Family Life: Change And Diversity In Intimate Relations

Family relations are undergoing dramatic changes globally and locally. At the same time, certain features of family life endure. This popular book, now in a fully updated second edition, explores the growing diversity of family life and presents a comprehensive assessment of recent research on 'family', parenting, childhood and interpersonal ties.

A Sociology of Family Life queries assumptions about a disintegration of 'the family' by revealing a remarkable persistence of commitment and reciprocity across cultures, within new as well as traditional family forms. Yet while new kinds of intimate relationships such as 'friends as family' and same-sex families become commonplace, such personal relationships can still be difficult to negotiate in the face of wider structural norms. With a focus on social factors such as class, gender, race and sexuality, this new edition highlights social inequalities that influence and curb families and personal life transnationally. Alongside substantial new material on cultural and digital transformations, the book features extensive updates on themes and issues ranging from demography, migration, ageing and government policies, to reproductive technologies, employment and care.

With a global focus, and blending theory with real-life examples, this insightful and engaging book will remain indispensable to students across the social sciences.