Changing Family Valuesoffers a comprehensive introduction to contemporary debates and new research surrounding the family. It explores how we define traditional family values and how these values are perceived as being underthreat in contemporary society. Ranging across politics, social policy, law and sociology, the contributors focus on the diverse realities of contemporary family life. Issues covered include: * the recent backlash against single mothers * lesbian and gay families and the law * men's changing roles within the family * the future of the nuclear family. This book is ideal for courses covering the family, a central topic in sociology and women's studies.