ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the advantages have been declining over the past century or so as family life has been transformed in response to massive structural changes. It regulates international comparisons to Western industrial societies because they share a common cultural heritage and display advanced economies. The book emphasizes the significance of Weber's work because his research strategy can be used with other topics, such as the problems of gender relations and family life. It focuses on the historical and international dimensions of the behavior being considered. The book discusses its consequences for individuals and society. It provides an explanation - on two levels, individual and structural. As noted earlier, the explanatory variables at each level always differ. The book also discusses the implications of the issue. It draws the analyses together by speculating about what the future holds for family life.
