Family Matters

Refreshingly succinct and engaging, Family Matters is a comprehensive introduction to family sociology in Canada. The book has a strong focus on contemporary Canadian theory and research on a wide variety of substantive issues relevant to the lives of students from diverse family backgrounds. This second edition is broadly organized into three interrelated areas: conceptualizing and studying continuity, diversity, inequality, and social change in families; the life course dynamics of families across the generations; and social policy responses to critical issues facing families today. Family Matters has been thoroughly updated with the most current statistical information available on family trends; expanded coverage of numerous topical areas, such as families dealing with disability and the consequences of the recent global economic meltdown on families; and more examples from today's news headlines and contemporary family-related events. Features: every chapter contains a summary, critical reflection questions, a glossary, lists of suggested multimedia resources, and recommended exercises and activities a vast array of course supplements available, including innovative lists of sources for building case studies, suggested assignments and in-class activities, a sample syllabus, links to online teaching resources, PowerPoint slides, and high-resolution images from the text that can be used in the classroom draws on current statistical information on family trends and examples from today’s news headlines