Among both races, there has been a shift away from traditional living arrangements. Changes have been more significant among Blacks and, thus, racial differences are now greater than at the time of the Moynihan report. Economic consequences are described by analyzing trends in per capita income for types of families. (Author)

A review of recent research studies suggests that the dominant pattern of decision making and action taking in the Chicano family is not male-dominated and authoritarian but egalitarian. Husband and wife share in decision making and in the performance of household tasks and child care. Sex role segregation is rare. (Author/BEF)

Reports on a program aimed at young Black, Spanish-speaking, Asian, and American Indian males in relation to family life education, planning, and parental concerns. The project develops an approach to the promotion of sexual responsibility and reduction of unwanted pregnancy through support and assistance to potential unwed fathers. (Author)

Experiments were conducted to assess students' perceptions from written descriptions of voluntarily childfree women and men. Ratings of the childfree man were less favorable than those for the childfree woman, suggesting greater bias against childfree men than women. (Author)

Explores the association between sex roles and relationship adjustment and communication skills. Baucom's sex role inventory was administered to couples who reported on relationship satisfaction and engaged in problem solving. Results suggest that clinical interests might be better served by studies less focused on validating Bem's model of…

Reviews the history of the concept of the family life cycle and of the existing public welfare models for assessing needs. Proposes an alternative approach based on different financial needs and opportunities that families confront at various stages in family life. (Author)

G. Stanley Hall's opinions of women were formed early in life under pressure of a doting mother and were reinforced by his choice of wives. Describes the influences that shaped Hall's educational program for young women that was the logical extension of his philosophical position. (Author/RK)

As adoptions have increased, they have become less concentrated among women unable to bear children, although these women are still more likely to adopt than are fertile women. About 4 percent of American women have adopted a child by the time they are 45 years old. (Author)

The problems we face in America's schools and cities stem from our orientation to the individual/community relationship. Selves and communities are interconnected, interdependent, and relational. Implications for school policy and practice are discussed through the metaphor of a classroom, contrasting classic liberal and sociological…

Notes that adoption agencies have developed few specific policies on the issue of lesbian and gay adoption. Provides an overview of key considerations about homosexual adopters, including beliefs and values of agency professionals, the legal and social ramifications of adoption into a relationship not based on marriage, and possible consequences…

Discusses problems that arise as a result of parents having careers: companies are now only giving lip service to families; parents are too tired and preoccupied to handle their home responsibilities; and jobs are becoming more important than families. Sidebars include "Oh, Quit Whining and Get Back to Work!" (Joseph Nocera) and "Home-Office…

Compared middle-aged married men's and women's contact and assistance to older parents-in-law and parents. Multivariate analysis shows that women contact and help parents more than in-laws, whereas for men there are no such differences. Findings suggest that although women give priority to relations with their own parents, men experience pulls in…

A survey of 92 high-achieving girls aged 15-17 found their education and career plans were influenced by anticipated roles as mothers and perceived social pressures for full-time motherhood. Despite strong intentions for further education and careers, the perceived acceptability of combining work and parenthood influenced the certainty of their…

Uses classroom observations and interviews to examine three kindergarten teachers' perceptions, focusing on gender-related differences in the balance between home and work and the development of internalized commitment. Suggests ways to make teaching a more aesthetic experience for family caregivers. Includes 19 references. (MLH)

Introduces a special issue of "Communication Research," which examines (both quantitatively and qualitatively) how processes within individuals influence communication within marital and family life. (SR)