Marriages, Families, and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society (13th Edition) by Mary Kay DeGenova and David Olson
"Marriages, Families, and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society" (13th Edition) by Mary Kay DeGenova and David Olson is an in-depth exploration of family dynamics and relationships in contemporary society. This edition provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of family life, emphasizing the diversity of family structures and the choices individuals make within these contexts. It incorporates current research, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications to offer a wellrounded understanding of marriage and family issues.
Key Features and Structure
1. Introduction to Family Studies
• Understanding Families: The book begins with an introduction to the study of families, defining key concepts and exploring the historical and cultural contexts of family life. It examines the evolution of
family structures and the impact of societal changes on family dynamics.
• Theoretical Perspectives: This section introduces major theoretical perspectives used in family studies, including structural-functional theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and feminist theory. These perspectives provide frameworks for analyzing family relationships and behaviors.
2. Family Diversity and Structure
• Family Forms and Structures: The chapter covers various family forms and structures, including nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, and blended families. It explores how family structures have evolved and the factors contributing to these changes.
• Cultural and Societal Influences: The book examines the influence of culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on family structures and dynamics. It discusses how cultural values and
norms shape family roles, practices, and expectations.
3. Theories of Marriage and Relationships
• Marriage Theories: This section explores different theories of marriage, including social exchange theory, attachment theory, and the relationship between marriage and well-being. It discusses how these theories explain the dynamics of marital relationships.
• Relationship Development: The chapter covers the stages of relationship development, from initial attraction to long-term commitment. It examines factors influencing relationship satisfaction and stability.
4. Communication in Relationships
• Communication Patterns: The book examines the role of communication in relationships, including verbal and nonverbal communication. It discusses common communication patterns and barriers to effective communication.
• Conflict Resolution: This section explores strategies for resolving conflicts in relationships, including negotiation, compromise, and problemsolving techniques. It emphasizes the importance of communication skills in managing relationship challenges.
5. Parenting and Family Life
• Parenting Styles: The chapter covers different parenting styles and their impact on child development. It examines authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting styles and their effects on children.
• Parenting Challenges: The book discusses common challenges faced by parents, including balancing work and family life, managing child behavior, and dealing with parenting stress. It provides practical strategies for addressing these challenges.
6. Family Life Course and Transitions
• Life Course Perspective: The book explores the life course perspective on family life, focusing on
the various stages and transitions individuals experience throughout their lives. It examines how family roles and responsibilities change over time.
• Major Life Transitions: This section discusses major life transitions, such as marriage, parenthood, and divorce. It explores the impact of these transitions on family dynamics and individual well-being.
7. Family Health and Well-Being
• Health and Relationships: The chapter examines the relationship between family dynamics and health. It discusses how family relationships influence physical and mental health and explores strategies for promoting family wellbeing.
• Coping with Stress: The book covers coping mechanisms for managing stress within the family context. It includes strategies for handling stress related to work, finances, and family conflicts.
8. Social and Economic Factors Affecting Families
• Economic Influences: The book explores the impact of economic factors on family life, including income, employment, and financial stability. It discusses how economic resources and inequalities affect family relationships and opportunities.
• Social Policies: This section examines the role of social policies in shaping family life, including policies related to childcare, parental leave, and family support services. It discusses the impact of these policies on family well-being.
9. Family Diversity and Social Change
• Changes in Family Structures: The chapter explores recent changes in family structures, including the rise of cohabitation, same-sex partnerships, and non-traditional family arrangements. It discusses the implications of these changes for family life and social norms.
• Social Movements and Family Issues: The book examines the role of social movements in addressing family-related issues, such as gender
equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and family violence. It discusses how these movements have influenced family policies and practices.
10. Future Directions in Family Studies
• Emerging Trends: The book concludes with a discussion of emerging trends in family studies, including technological advancements, changing cultural norms, and evolving family roles. It explores potential future directions for research and policy in the field of family studies.
• Challenges and Opportunities: This section highlights the challenges and opportunities facing families in contemporary society, including issues related to diversity, inequality, and social change. It encourages readers to consider how they can contribute to positive changes in family life and policies.
Pedagogical Features
1. Real-Life Examples
• The book integrates real-life examples and case studies throughout each chapter to illustrate key concepts and theories. These examples help students connect theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
2. Critical Thinking Questions
• Critical thinking questions are included at the end of each chapter to encourage students to reflect on the material and apply their understanding to real-world scenarios.
3. Interactive Learning Tools
• The book features interactive learning tools, such as online resources, multimedia content, and self-assessment quizzes, to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
4. Updated Research and Data
• The 13th Edition includes updated research findings and data to provide students with current information on family dynamics and relationships.
This ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments in the field.
5. Diverse Perspectives
• The book emphasizes diverse perspectives on family life, including cultural, socioeconomic, and gender-related factors. It provides a comprehensive view of the complexities and variations in family experiences.
Conclusion
"Marriages, Families, and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society" (13th Edition) by Mary Kay DeGenova and David Olson offers a thorough and engaging exploration of family dynamics and relationships. The book’s integration of theoretical perspectives, current research, and practical applications provides students with a comprehensive understanding of family life in contemporary society. Through real-life examples, interactive learning tools, and updated data, this edition equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and
understand the complexities of marriage, family, and relationships. Click the link below to download the Full Original PDF/EBOOK