Introduction to Family Development

More than a broad and general overview, Introduction to Family Development provides an excellent introduction to numerous distinct relationship topics. The text incorporates thought provoking reading selections that address demographic transitions, marriage, remarriage, and cohabitation. It also addresses culture, social processes in the construction of gender, stepfamilies, love, family communication, child abuse, intimate partner violence, health, and stress. Two readings are devoted exclusively to theory and theoretical perspectives but many of the readings clearly specify the theoretical framework guiding the ideas. This gives students the opportunity to learn how a given theory can be applied to more than one topic.

Introducing students to primary research literature promotes discussions about how data are gathered, and how findings, tables, and figures are interpreted. This textbook is appropriate for introductory and midlevel courses. It can also be used as a supplement to more traditional textbooks.

Comprehensive in scope but manageable for first year students, Introduction to Family Development addresses family, family development, and family functioning from the perspectives of scholars in the fields of sociology, psychology, and family studies. The book serves as a foundational text that prepares students for later, more content-specific courses on family issues.

Chalandra M. Bryant earned her Ph.D. in child development and family relationships in 1996 at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Bryant is currently a professor of human development and family science at the University of Georgia, where she teaches courses in family development, intimate relationships, and family theories. Dr. Bryant has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Family Theory and Review, and her work has been published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, Journal of Family Psychology, and Personal Relationships. She earned the Outstanding Young Professional Award, presented by the University of Texas, Texas Exes Alumni Association.