In recent years 'the family' has become the controversial focus for many of the important issues Western societies are now facing at the end of the century. It has become commonplace to talk about a 'crisis' in the family which threatens the very fabric of society and for politicians to prescribe a 'return to family values'. But what does any of this actually mean? Changing Family Values explores these questions from a wide variety of perspectives. Ranging across politics, social policy, the law, sociology and history, 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 family and the 'underclass' debate * the future of the 'nuclear family'. This edited collection offers a comprehensive introduction to contemporary debates and new research surrounding the family. It will therefore appeal to students in a range of disciplines including sociology, social policy and gender aand women's studies. Caroline Wright, University of Warwick, Gill Jagger, Leeds Metropolitan University, Lorraine Fox-Harding, University of Leeds, Paul Gilbert, University of Hull, Professo