This research examines trends in a broad set of reproductive and marital behaviors in Ghana, focusing on religious group differences. These comparisons provide evidence of how family trends are constrained by religious identity in a less developed country. Three waves of the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys are used to track trends in the age…

Author discusses his own traditional marriage and family life, then looks at the pluralism in family types in present day America. Concludes that most young adults in the future will try to maintain a permanent first marriage and, if unsuccessful, will try even harder to have a successful second marriage. (NB)

In response to the transition of the social support structure under rapid population change, this article proposes a four-layer household-based convoy to fully depict support structures. The four layers are referred to as the household type, family network, kinship network, and social network from the innermost to the outermost layer. The 2001…

Argues that meaning of economic motive for White married mothers' labor force participation has changed over past 30 years. Asserts that, for most White married mothers, decision to work is characterized as personal choice to seek ideal lifestyle combining family and employment rather than economic necessity. (Author/NB)

Used data from 1940 through 1980 Public Use Samples of the United States Census to examine how changes in fertility patterns of women have affected age distribution of parents for successive cohorts of children. Found decline in average age of mothers and fathers across cohorts of children, partly reflecting a rapid increase in teenage pregnancies…

Presents an account of some important developments that concern the family in Sweden since the beginning of the 1960s. Interprets data from the Swedish fertility survey conducted by Statistics Sweden in 1981 and official statistics for later years. Contends that the young nonmarital cohabitation that has emerged should be seen as a phenomenon…

Introduces special journal issue published to inform American readers of recent developments in Europe and to help readers address contemporary family change. Discusses similarities of trends in North America and Western Europe and points out differences among countries. Examines various statistical indicators and trends in birth rates, marriages,…

Considers the rapid aging of the American population and the changing age structure of society. Discusses the needs of older adults, the role of the family in providing support to older members, and issues of intergenerational relations. (NB)

Presents current research on childlessness and the one-child family. The nine articles in this special issue include studies on the relationship of childlessness to marital satisfaction, childlessness and one-child families in the Soviet Union and early twentieth century America, voluntary childlessness, and effects of being an only child. (JAC)

Notes that significant changes have occurred in recent times to the structure and dynamics of family life in Britain. Examines trends and issues related to marriage, cohabitation, fertility, extramarital births, divorce, one-parent families, remarriage and stepfamilies, children in families, employment, and the future of social policy in Britain.…

Discusses the tradition of the Italian family and changes in family life since World War II. Examines socioeconomic differentiation and family forms; family structure and kinship networks; social policies and family solidarity; stability and family dissolution; and innovative processes in family life. Concludes that there is a profound change in…