Anna Spencer begins by stating her purpose in writing this manuscript. "This book is based upon three theses--namely, first, that the monogamic, private, family is a priceless inheritance from the past and should be preserved; second, that in order to preserve it many of its inherited customs and mechanisms must be modified to suit new social demands; and third, that present day experimentation and idealistic effort already indicate certain tendencies of change in the family order which promise needed adjustment to ends of highest social value." The book deals with the personal and ethical decisions facing couples. The roles of parents and grandparents are discussed in separate chapters.