A critical analysis of the current literature on step-parenting. Early chapters treat theoretical concerns and present models useful to the study of step-parenting. Later chapters summarize research related to relationships within step-families and the development of new roles within step-families.

Marilyn Ihinger-Tallman and Teresa M. Cooney's Families in Context introduces foundational ideas and concepts about families and applies them to issues and events relevant to today's college student population. This comprehensive but concise paperback--written in clear, student-friendly language--fills the following needs not being met by existing texts:
* The text is structured consistently, featuring an overarching framework that combines family systems theory and ecological systems theory. This approach bridges both micro- and macro-perspectives on families.
* Each chapter places families squarely within their respective environments--their neighborhood, community, and national context--and provides conceptual linkages between the different aspects of family life.
* Diversity is integrated into each chapter. * The text's emphasis on social context allows the exploration of families in at least three ways: (1) how individuals live out their intimate experiences within families and communities; (2) the impact of family groups on their neighborhoods and communities, and vice versa; and (3) the ways in which the larger social contexts influence families within different class levels and racial groups.
* The book's brevity and reasonable price allow ample time for instructors to easily supplement their courses with additional materials.
Each chapter opens with a "Did You Know?" box, detailing ideas related to chapter content and preparing students for the chapter's topics. Similarly, a box entitled "Things to Think About" offers questions, definitions, or comments intended to provoke students' critical thinking.
The text provides a "hands-on" approach by featuringcritical-thinking activities at the end of each chapter, enabling students to apply learned concepts and principles. Finally, additional readings and a glossary of relevant theoretical concepts are provided.
A comprehensive electronic Instructor's Manual/Testing Program accompanies the text--as well as a dedicated Website. In addition, an Interactive Student Study Guide is available.

Pasley and Ihinger-Tallman provide a critical analysis of the current literature on stepparenting and summarize the progress made in research, theory, and practice related to stepfamilies. The chapters are written by contributors with expertise in various fields related to stepparenting. The contributors discuss a range of concerns and issues: theoretical concerns and present models useful to the study of stepparenting; research related to relationships within stepfamilies and the development of new roles within stepfamilies; and practical considerations related to family therapy, stepfamilies and schools, and stepparenting and the law.