This book is a constant work in progress; as a digital book, I am constantly updating it as things change in our history. The American family is a constant source of change and has been one for over four hundred years. This book will continue to update readers on current events, but will also continue to add events from the past that have affected the American family. As a first edition, it can only get better. As a history book, this book has an extensive two chapter look at same-sex families in America—which are often left out of most history books—even American family history books. It is also an interactive text with lots of spaces for students to journal and take polls while they are reading so they can retain more of what they are reading. My hope is students will enjoy learning from this text and instructor will enjoy teaching from it.
Welcome
Chapter 1: The American Family: An Introduction
Chapter 2: The Family As A Social Institution
Chapter 3: The Family Transition
Chapter 4: Changes in Demography
Chapter 5: Native American Families and the Intrusion of White Europeans
Chapter 6: Slavery in America
Chapter 7: Understanding Gender
Chapter 8: Changing Values and Behaviors in Sex and Sexuality
Chapter 9: A History of Birth Control and Abortion
Chapter 10: Birth Control and Abortion Today
Chapter 11: Women’s Participation in the Labor Market
Chapter 12: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Chapter 13: Queer Relationships, Marriages, and Families
Chapter 14: Queer Relationships, Marriages, and Families—Part Two
Chapter 15: Changes in the Economy
Chapter 16: The Modern American Family
Chapter 17: Pandemics and the Family