Variant Lifestyles and Relationships (Family Studies Text series) Book

Although marriage continues to be the cultural ideal in Western society, many individuals fulfill their needs for intimacy, sexuality, and close relationships in ways other than within a sexually-exclusive, legally-sanctioned marital relationship. The authors of this book present an overview of the most significant research on various forms of intimate relationships, including singlehood, non-marital cohabitation, gay and lesbian relationships, extramarital relationships and communal living. The authors focus mainly on empirical findings from sociology and social psychology but also include historical and ethnographic material to illustrate that, amongst other things, variant lifestles are not as new as is often assumed.Review questions, exercises, and a lengthy bibliography make this book an excellent teaching tool for undergraduate and beginning graduate courses. While focusing primarily on the American situation, cross-cultural findings are also included to broaden the reader's perspective on the topic. The volume as a whole is essential reading for sociologists, psychologists, social workers and all those interested in interpersonal relationships.Read More