ISE PUBLIC & PRIVATE FAMILIES: INTRO

Part One Introduction

Chapter 1 Public and Private Families
Chapter 2 The History of the Family

Part Two Gender, Class, and Race-Ethnicity

Chapter 3 Gender and Families
Chapter 4 Social Class and Family Inequality
Chapter 5 Race, Ethnicity, and Families

Part Three Sexuality, Partnership, and Marriage

Chapter 6 Sexualities
Chapter 7 Cohabitation and Marriage
Chapter 8 Work and Families

Part Four Links across the Generations

Chapter 9 Children and Parents
Chapter 10 Older People and Their Families

Part Five Conflict, Disruption, and Reconstitution

Chapter 11 Domestic Violence
Chapter 12 Union Dissolution and Repartnering

Part Six Family, Society, and World

Chapter 13 International Family Change
Chapter 14 The Family, the State, and Social Policy

Public and Private Families: An Introduction discusses the meaning of family, how it has evolved and continues to evolve, from both a private and public perspective. Andrew Cherlin guides students through an exploration of the history of families around the world in a way that prompts critical and sociological thinking. 

Public and Private Families: An Introduction defines the private family as our personal space, where we live most of our personal lives. Contrastingly, the public family is where we deal with broader societal issues and challenges. Cherlin invites students to take a close look at and assessment of gender, race, ethnicity and social class. Students are simultaneously prompted to explore the impact society, the workplace and public policy have on the family and family structures. 

The ninth edition of Public and Private Families: An Introduction includes expanded research and discussion on LGBTQ family life, and it also includes a new section on online matchmaking and commitment.