In his new edition of readings Michael Anderson examines the diversity of approaches sociologists have developed over the past decade in their attempt to try and understand the family in Western industrial society and the changes it is undergoing. He believes that the result of these new approaches is both a more relevant and more intellectually stimulating family sociology.
Sociology of the Family contains a new section on the history of the family, studies in kinship and conjugal behaviour, additional readings illustrating insights gained from recent interpretations, and finally two pieces which reflect the current interest in variant or experimental family forms. In addition, since recent developments have been so rapid, the book includes tables of statistics showing the major shifts in familial expectations and morality.