ABSTRACT
The cultural position and structure of the new stepfamilies are different from the familiar nuclear families, and the joys and sorrows of these new families are also different. Adults living in stepfamilies with or without custody of their children, as well as unmarried parents living in long-term couple relationships, are seeking professional help for a similar range of problems. Studies of stepparenting are beginning to appear, and organizations for stepfamilies are being founded. Research on stepfamilies is in its infancy, and to wait until hard statistical data are available for therapists and counselors would in the meantime deprive many individuals of much needed assistance. Stepfamilies are culturally disadvantaged families. Human flexibility exceeds institutional flexibility, and it is only very gradually that the institutions in American society are making provision for the existence of stepfamilies. Very often the families involved are more comfortable than the school personnel.
