The Family in Global Perspective

The third edition of The Family in Global Perspective: A Gendered Journey explores the differences and similarities in family structures around the globe. Students learn how factors such as location, culture, power, and globalization influence how families function and the unique experiences of family members.

The book begins with a chapter recounting the author’s worldwide travels, emphasizing her observations regarding family life. Proceeding chapters examine the purposes and goals of family life, the history of the family in the West, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and how capitalism and power differences impact family life. Students gain a theoretical understanding of families and information on how gender relations, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and other structural conditions affect the family. The book explores the nature of intersectionality and one’s positionality in the social order.

The third edition features updates throughout to provide readers with the most current research and data. Chapter 9 now includes a section on the relationship between cousins. Additionally, Chapter 10 has been heavily revised and contains updated data and new information on human trafficking, mass shootings, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. This edition also includes new information on the impact of COVID-19 on family life.

The Family in Global Perspective effectively demonstrates how families around the world are impacted by social, economic, and political change. It is ideal for courses in family studies, sociology, global studies, cultural studies, social work, and counseling.