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In this unusual but exciting look at a complex topic, family scholars offer a vast array of insights into the multiple consequences, concerns, and characteristics of parenthood. The transition to parenthood--the most critical step in individual and family life cycles--is thoroughly examined from a social psychological perspective. Cultural and ethnic factors are considered as major influences in the transition to parenthood, as are changing patterns in the work force, the consequences of the gender revolution, and altered patterns of marriage and divorce--all of which have shattered the tradit

The Public Use Sample of the 1900 census was used to examine single parenthood in the U.S. population overall, in seven major cities, and in four predominately rural states. The data allow us to identify single parent subfamilies, a group missed by reports based on published census statistics. The proportion of children living with single parents in 1900 approximated that of 1960:8.5 percent as compared with 9.1 percent. Migration and immigration were not associated with single parenthood. Black children were more likely than white children to live with single parents, especially black children in urban areas. Approximately seventy-five percent of black and white single parents were widows.

As couples marry and society evolves, a new generation of families is answering important questions pondered by professionals and couples alike. When should we have children? How many children should we have? What if we can't conceive? When is adoption an option? Can we--should we--fulfill what is expected of us? A comprehensive, multidisciplinary handbook boasting findings across traditional areas of study, Transition to Parenthood brings the contemporary family into clear, useful focus. Its expert coverage tracks current trends in family structures, roles, and dynamics, and explores the impact of individual members and the environment on the family unit. A variety of perspectives (e.g., ecological, life course, TPEX) are presented to best apply to clinical understanding, and the book considers topics as varied as the social class factor in women's fertility, patterns of relationship maintenance, and teaching children about money. And contrary to some schools of thought, the authors argue that macro and micro theories of families must be considered in combination for optimal results. Included in the coverage: A history of fertility in America. The family: diversity and demographics. Childlessness, voluntary and involuntary. The cost of raising a child. Maintaining your relationship across and after the transition to parenthood. Parenting programs and program evaluations. Navigating the transition to parenthood with a child with special needs. Fresh in approach and accessibly written, Transition to Parenthood will be a core reference for a variety of professionals, including family sociologists, family therapists, developmental psychologists, social workers, and counselors.

Recent policy changes in the area of family law have promoted changes in the organisation of the post-divorce family. These shifts place emphasis on consensual joint parenting after divorce and emphasise agreement rather than conflict between parents. In addition, these policy changes have given a new status to fatherhood and seek to maintain relationships between men and children. These policy shifts, as well as the social changes that underlie them, have been the focus of work by Beck (1992). Here we consider (1) how parents are actually negotiating parenthood in the light of this policy experiment; and (2) how pertinent Beck's thesis appears to be by drawing on the results of a qualitative research project which has interviewed sixty parents who have divorced or separated since the new legislation came into effect.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the transition to parenthood. It covers societal trends, changes and, most importantly, expectations. The book also places focus on how families are impacted by their surroundings and their individual members.