Changing Relationships [Paperback]

Some relationships are within the family -- such as between parents and children, grandparents and children and between siblings -- while others are between friends. In some cases, these distinctions are blurred (Are short-term partners family members? Are family members seen as such when relations become unfriendly? Does divorce, if amicable, replace a family with a friendship?). Using quantitative, cutting-edge statistical analysis, in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary approach, the contributors to this volume address the contemporary state of and dynamics in these various types of relationships, linking these to key rites of passage such as leaving home, marriage and childbirth, to see how these stand after a period of rapid social change. The book will be of interest to scholars in a broad range of disciplines, including sociology, social policy and economics.

Part I: Forming and Maintaining Relationships  1. Introduction: The Social Significance of Relationships John Ermisch & Malcolm Brynin  2. Living Apart Together John Ermisch & Thomas Siedler  3. Gender Differences in Close Friendship Networks over the Life CycleMich?le Belot  4. Leaving Home Maria Iacovou & Lavinia Parisi  5. The Social Significance of Homogamy Malcolm Brynin, Simonetta Longhi & ?lvaro Mart?nez P?rez  6. How Close are Couples? Malcolm Brynin, Simonetta Longhi & ?lvaro Mart?nez P?rez  Part II: Relationships and Social Welfare  7. Young Child-Parent Relationships John Ermisch  8. Adult Child-Parent Relationships John Ermisch  9. Gender and Time Use over the Life Course Man Yee Kan &aml&