This chapter will help you to:

10.1 Discuss how definitions of families are socially constructed and change over time.

10.2 Give examples of how each major theory approaches family.

10.3 Explain how new families start in most Global North societies.

10.4 Diagram and explain how the institution of family interacts with other institutions.

10.5 Discuss why different societies react differently to same-sex marriage.

10.6 Describe global patterns and policies that affect families, and give examples.