Table of Contents

1: Variations in Family LifeLearning ObjectivesIntroductionDefining FamiliesHistorical Changes in Marriage and FamiliesFamily Policies and the StateGender, Class, Ethnicity, and Family PoliciesCultural and Historical Variations in FamiliesFamily StructureAuthority and LineageMarriage SystemsMulticulturalism and Cultural ClashesConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites2: Theorizing and Researching Family LifeLearning ObjectivesIntroductionSocial Structure Shapes Family PatternsInterpersonal Factors Shape Family LifeIdeas, Global Culture, and Public Discourse Influence Family LifeTheoretical Framework Used in This BookMethods of Family ResearchConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 3: Forming Intimate RelationshipsLearning ObjectivesIntroductionThe Social Regulation of Sexuality and CourtshipDating and Sexuality in the PastEarly Patterns of Courtship and EngagementCurrent Dating and Sexual PracticesDating AbuseRemaining SingleFinding Partners: Advertising versus TraditionThe Transition from Dating to CohabitationRising Rates of CohabitationThe Social and Policy Implications of Increased CohabitationConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 4: Formalizing RelationshipsLearning ObjectivesIntroductionNegotiating the Transition from Cohabitation to MarriageWho Marries Whom?The Rise in Same-Sex MarriageLegal Marriage RatesCultural Practices in MarriagePreferred Marriage Partners and the Exchange of GiftsResidence, Relations with Kin, and SurnamesWestern Weddings and Marriage PracticesMarriage QualityMale Violence against Female PartnersBarriers to Legal MarriageConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 5: Child-bearing, Child-rearing, and ChildhoodLearning ObjectivesIntroductionParenting and Childhood in the PastFertility PatternsWhy Have Children?Assisted Conception and SurrogacyPregnancy and Maternity PracticesChild-rearing PracticesSocialization and Gender RolesResearch on FatheringSame-Sex ParentingParenting Challenges and Children's Well-BeingThe Extension of AdolescenceChild Welfare IssuesState Support for Child-rearingConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 6: Household Work and MoneyLearning ObjectivesIntroductionCohabitation, Marriage, and HouseworkEarly Studies of HouseworkCurrent Studies on HouseworkHousehold Work, Paid Work, and StressHousehold Money and Wealth AccumulationChanging Labour MarketsGender and WorkEmployment and ParenthoodDealing with Child PovertyParental Leave and Child-Care Subsidies for Employed ParentsConclusion: The Growing Impact of Paid Work on Family LifeQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 7: Separation, Divorce, and Re-partneringLearning ObjectivesIntroductionWhy Are So Many Couples Separating?Outcomes of Separation and DivorceFamily and Divorce LawsMarriage, Gender, and PropertyReforms in Child Custody and Residence PatternsReforms in Assessment and Enforcement of Child SupportChildren, Separation, and DivorceRemarriage and StepfamiliesConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 8: Midlife, Aging, and RetirementLearning ObjectivesIntroductionThe Changing Meaning of AgingLife Expectancy, the Life Cycle, and AgingMid-Life: Is It a Time of Security or Crisis?Life Satisfaction and Marriage StabilityGrandparenting and WidowhoodRetirement Income and PensionsBecoming Frail or DisabledDoes Aging Make People More Conservative?ConclusionQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested Websites 9: Constraints on Personal ChoicesLearning ObjectivesIntroductionPredicting Future Family PatternsWill People Still Get Married?Will People Still Have Children?How Will Couples Combine Earning and Caring?Will Couples Stay Together?Will Aging Be a Problem?The Future of Family StudiesQuestions for Critical ThoughtQuestions for DebateSuggested ReadingsSuggested WebsiteGlossaryReferencesIndex

About the Author

Maureen Baker is professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. From 1984 to 1990, she worked as a senior researcher for Canada's Parliament, specializing in social policy issues relating to families and women. From 1990 to 1997, she was an associate professor and professor at McGill University. Since January 1998, she has lived and worked in New Zealand. In 2008, she was made a fellow of the New Zealand Academy of the Humanities. In 2009, she was made a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.