Includes bibiographical references and index.

Intimate relationships, marriages, and families in the twenty-first century -- Gender : identity and roles -- Being single -- Attraction and dating -- Love and mate selection -- Qualities of a successful marriage -- Marital relationships over the family life cycle -- Work, family roles, and material resources -- Power, decision making, and communication -- Sexual relationships -- Family planning and parenthood -- Pregnancy and childbirth -- Parent-child relationships -- Parents and extended family relationships -- Conflict, family crises, and crisis management -- The family and divorce -- Coming together : remarriage and stepparenting.