Close Relations: An Introduction to the Sociology of Families, 7th edition
Published by Pearson (January 3, 2023) © 2024
  • Susan A. McDaniel
  • Lorne Tepperman
  • Sandra Colavecchia

Title overview

Explore the Canadian Family

Close Relations: An Introduction to the Sociology of Families is a Canadian book rooted in sociological research from around the world, and reflecting concerns of the twenty-first century. It continues to cover the most important topics in the family literature and, as before, ends with a look at the future of families.

Hallmark features of this title

Each chapter begins with a chapter outline and learning objectives. Throughout the chapters, figures and tables cover key current data on the topics, erroneous beliefs, international findings, major Canadian findings, and key statistics. Each chapter includes a series of boxes that contain interesting facts and observations drawn from other studies. Study tools at the end of each chapter include a chapter summary, key terms with definitions, critical thinking questions, and an annotated list of relevant internet sites.

New and updated features of this title

  • Addresses how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted families and how lessons learned from the pandemic are important in informing social policy and research.
  • Throughout the book, we've added coverage of the role of disability in families and issues facing Indigenous families.
  • All of the chapters have been significantly revised to reflect current trends in intimate relationships, families, childbearing, parenting, and sexual relationships.

Table of contents

  1. Definitions of and Theories about Families
  2. Historical Perspectives on Canadian Families
  3. Dates, Cohabiting Couples, and Marriages
  4. Types of Intimate Relationships and Families
  5. Happy and Healthy Relationships
  6. Parenting Challenges and Socialization
  7. Work and Family Life
  8. Stress and Violence in Family Life
  9. Divorce and Relationship Dissolution
  10. Family Transitions and Diversity
  11. The Future of Close Relations

Author bios

Lorne Tepperman is an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Tepperman has written several successful sociology texts including, Social Problems (in its sixth edition) and Making Sense in Social Science (in its eighth edition), as well as textbooks and monographs on social inequality, deviance, and crime. Dr. Tepperman has received multiple awards for teaching, as well as the Distinguished Contribution to Sociology award from the Canadian Sociological Association—and organization which he also served as president. He has consulted with clients in both the private and public sectors on issues related to delinquency and poverty and has written many reports about the marital consequences of brain injury as expert testimony in court cases.

Sandra Colavecchia is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University. Professor Colavecchia's interests include diversity in intimate relationships and families, the impact of social media and new technologies in our private lives, social policy and the law, and money in relationships. Dr. Colavecchia's recent publications include Macionis, J, Gerber, L. & Colavecchia, S. (2021). Sociology. 10th Canadian ed. Toronto: Pearson Canada. 

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