Includes bibliographical references (p. 427-450) and indexes.

Contents: Central ideas: Introduction: what this book is about -- Families we choose -- Families we're born with -- Some contemporary sexual scenes -- Inventing erotic friendships -- Historical perspectives: Earlier families: from the 1700s to the 1920s -- From the modern family to the invention of post- modern families- the 1920s through the 1960s -- Examples of today's reinventions: Some questions about singleness -- Cohabitation- the spread of informal marriages -- Exploring formal marriages and remarriages -- Conflict, negotiation and problem-solving -- Aggression against women -- Divorce and its responsibilities -- Aging, the family life cycle and life courses -- The Responsibilities of paid work and homework -- Responsible birthing and parenting -- The Sexual and physical abuse of children -- The Quest for responsibility: Public policies for families.