This volume begins with an historical look at the development of family policy in America. It examines the legal and sociological definitions of family, and examines the evolving changes of division of labor within families and changes in economic issues. Childcare, adoption and care of elders are examined from a contemporary perspective. Family culture and identity is discussed within the relevance of topic issues like immigration. The book concludes with the politics of family policy and the current state of the political situation.Janet Giele is Professor Emerita at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. She was the founding director of the Family and Children's Policy Center from 1990 to 1996. The Center was the forerunner of the Institute on Children, Youth, and Families at the Heller School of Social Policy and Management of Brandeis University. She was Acting Dean of the Heller School in 1993-94. Professor GieleÆs research and writing has focused on three interlocking interests - women's changing roles, aging and life course, and family policy.