Brave New Families: Stories of Domestic Upheaval in Late Twentieth Century America

In an unusual exploration of post-industrial society American families, Stacey, a sociologist at UC-Davis, argues that because of economic and social developments, including feminism, the modern nuclear family is giving way to complex, extended households formed by divorce, remarriage and step-kinship. The author narrates crucial periods in the lives of 30 relatives and friends belonging to two Silicon Valley kin networks representing a wide variety of lifestyles: single parenthood, homosexual or blended households, along with others committed to evangelical teachings. While Stacey may be faulted for the extent of her intrusion into her subject's lives, and the projection of her feminist views, she nevertheless thereby adds intensely human dimensions to the study. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Sept.)