Marriages & families [electronic resource] : changes, choices and constraints / Nijole V. Benokraitis.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I: Marriage and the Family in Perspective Chapter 1: The Changing Family Chapter 2: Studying the Family Chapter 3: The Family in Historical Perspective Chapter 4: Racial and Ethnic Families: Strengths and Stresses Part II: The Individual and the Developing Relationship Chapter 5: Socialization and Gender Roles Chapter 6: Love and Loving Relationships Chapter 7: Sexuality and Sexual Expression Throughout Life Part III: Individual and Marital Commitments Chapter 8: Choosing Others: Dating and Mate Selection Chapter 9: Singlehood, Cohabitation, Civil Unions, and Other Options Chapter 10: Marriage and Communication in Intimate Relationships Part IV: Parents and Children Chapter 11: To Be or Not to Be A Parent: More Choices, More Constraints Chapter 12: Raising Children: Promises and Pitfalls Part V: Conflicts and Crises Chapter 13: The Economy and Family Life Chapter 14: Domestic Violence and Other Family Health Issues Chapter 15: Separation, Divorce, Remarriage, and Stepfamilies Part VI: Changes and Transitions Chapter 16: Families in Later Life.

Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints, offers students a comprehensive introduction to many issues facing families in the twenty-first century. The author explores contemporary changes in families and their structure, impacts on the choices available to family members, and constraints that often limit our choices. This approach will help readers better understand the families in which they were raised and are forming themselves. With the most up-to-date material and emerging issues on family behavior, students will be able to make better decisions in their everyday lives.