Family Heterogeneity Over the Life Course

Abstract

This chapter summarizes recent research on family formation and processes from a life course perspective. It reviews research and theory, focusing on increasing heterogeneity in the family and changes in attitudes, behavior, public policies, and reproductive technology that have long-term consequences for family formation and gender roles. It examines broad social changes, including changes in the first half (women’s increased commitment to employment) and in the second half (men’s increasing involvement in the home and, particularly, parenting) of the ongoing gender revolution. It speculates about implications of these changes for the intimate lives of individuals in future generations. The chapter is divided into sections on childhood and adolescence, young adulthood and adulthood, and aging and retirement. The final section focuses on challenges to thinking about families and family change over the coming decade.