Quotes from the first edition

? JUDITH BARKER, Ithaca College

"Never before have I seen a text that offers such a unique and well-rounded view of the complexities of the family."

? KRISTIN BATES, California State University, San Marcos

? DANA VANNOY, University of Cincinnati

Sociology of Families, Second Edition, begins at the level of the individual by examining familiar contemporary issues¾ topics students are likely to know or feel strongly about. Once this personal connection is established, David Newman and Liz Grauerholz show students the deeper and more detailed sociological underpinnings of the issues at hand, using the theories and data of social sciences to understand the meaning and broader relevance of these controversies and experiences.

The book is divided into three parts that are distinct from one another in style, content, and purpose. Part I contains five relatively short essays that cover some of the key controversial topics and questions swirling around the topic of family today. Part II provides students with a peek into the tools, concepts, and theories that sociologists commonly use in understanding society. Part III is organized around important social forces impacting today?s families.

• Improved implementation of "inductive" teaching style, upon which the book is based
• Revised demographic essays
• 2000 U.S. Census data incorporated throughout the text
• New visual essays

The 3-part organization replaces the 2-part structure of the first edition