Family Diversity and Well-Being

How important is family structure? Does the perception that children of divorced parents suffer hold true under the scrutiny of research? Is the traditional two parent//two child family ideal in terms of well-being? In this volume, two leading family researchers analyze these crucial questions. Using the United States National Survey of Families and Households, they examine the four most common family types - two parent families, divorced mothers with children, remarried families and unmarried mothers - to analyze the impact of family structure versus other factors.

This work makes a significant contribution to the literature on family process, structure, and well-being. It is a much-needed comparative analysis across marital status (married, divorced, remarried, and never-married women with children). Early chapters are particularly useful for introducing beginning students to the theoretical, conceptual, and policy issues at stake. Clear prose and well-labeled tables make the substantive chapters accessible to students but sacrifice none of the rigor of the analysis. This book provides a thorough review of the literature and systematically addresses a set of questions that are theoretically and politically significant, particularly in light of the continuing concern over the `demise′ of the American family. It should enjoy a wide readership in family studies, social work, sociology, and psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. --Choice "The authors present the results of their comprehensive and sophisticated data analysis in a very readable style, accompanied by generous use of graphics and practical examples. The findings are presented in such a way that readers with less technical backgrounds can easily comprehend the study results. This book will serve as an excellent supplementary text in both undergraduate and graduate classes. Also, it will be a valuable resource for family life educators and researchers interested in pursuing these questions related to family structure." --Journal of Marriage and the Family How important is traditional family structure to the success of family relationships? With political rhetoric often substituting for credible information, leading family researchers Alan Acock and David Demo separate fact from fiction regarding this crucial policy concern. Based on the authoritative National Survey of Families and Households, the authors′ work examines the four most common family types: two-parent families, divorced mothers with children, remarried families, and unwed mothers. Their meticulous analysis of the source material reveals myriad patterns, problems, and solutions not previously discerned, while addressing many familiar issues and assumptions with depth and clarity. Combining sophisticated explications, ample graphics, and practical examples, this volume has a great deal to offer professionals and researchers in family studies, sociology, psychology, interpersonal relationships, and gender studies at all levels.