Since 1960 the fertility rate in Mexico has dropped to about 2.6 children per woman. Such changes are part of a transformation explored in this ethnographic study of generational and migration-related redefinitions of gender, marriage and sexuality in rural Mexico and among Mexicans in Atlanta.

In this book, leading authorities on the family show how families, parents, and children have been affected by changing patterns of marriage and cohabitation. Taking a long historical perspective, some authors consider trends such as the decline of multigenerational families and group differences in the relationships between economic opportunity and the timing of marriage. But the focus is predominantly on questions of current interest: patterns of union formation, differences between marriage and cohabitation, contact between divorced fathers and their children, the division of household labor, and the transmission of attitudes and behavior across generations. Intended for scholars and advanced students, this book offers essential analysis of the changing dimensions of the American family.

Beth still remembers the daddy who went away, although her younger sibling does not, but both of them accept Gary and call him Papa.

Abstract: Ten reports issued since 1976 detail many of the social and economic forces that have affected family life and examine some of the suggestions for easing present family burdens. An initial overview examines transitional signs in families (stress, family stability, child-rearing attitudes, decreased parental influence); reviews historic forces and home life; and discusses national family policy proposals. Detailed discussions on issues of major concern and attention in recent times include: violence in the family; teenage pregnancy; single parents; working women; youth unemployment; college tuition costs; housing; mandatory retirement; and the physical fitness boom. It is concluded that despite signs of family discord, most sociologists and psychologists believe the American family as an entity will prevail. (wz).

From gentleman callers to big men on campus, from Coke dates to "parking," From Front Porch to Back Seat is the vivid history of dating in America. In chronicling a dramatic shift in patterns of courtship between the 1920s and the 1960s, Beth Bailey offers a provocative view of how we sought out mates-and of what accounted for our behavior. More than a quarter-century has passed since the dating system Bailey describes here lost its coherence and dominance. Yet the legacy of the system remains a strong part of our culture's attempt to define female and male roles alike.