Brave New Stepfamilies Diverse Paths Toward Stepfamily Living [Paperback]

Brave New Stepfamilies maps the changing landscape of American stepfamilies, taking readers on a tour through the diverse assortment of traditional and not-so-traditional stepfamily forms that have emerged in recent years. Author Susan D. Stewart presents the latest scholarly research on stepfamilies in an accessible way, weaving together predominant theoretical perspectives, findings from research and national surveys, and interviews with stepfamily members.Brave New Stepfamilies maps the changing landscape of American stepfamilies, taking readers on a tour through the diverse assortment of traditional and not-so-traditional stepfamily forms that have emerged in recent years. Author Susan D. Stewart presents the latest scholarly research on stepfamilies in an accessible way, weaving together predominant theoretical perspectives, findings from research and national surveys, and interviews with stepfamily members.Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Brave New Stepfamilies
The Evolution of an Institution
The Problem of Estimating the Prevalence of Stepfamilies
Summary
2. Understanding and Explaining Stepfamilies
Theoretical Developments in Stepfamily Research
Biosocial Perspective
Deficit-Comparison Approaches
Social Capital
Family Stress
Selection Perspective
Risk-and-Resiliency and Family Processes Perspectives
Family Systems, Definitions, and Boundaries
Incomplete Institutionalization
Stigma
Family Obligations
Culture Shock in Stepfamilies
The Stepfamiliy Cycle
Comprehensive Models
Summary
3. Stepfamilies Created by Divorce and Remarriage
Stepfamiliy Roles and Relationships
Stepfamil£ç