ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with macroaspects of stepfamilies. Society needs to adjust to the reality of stepfamilies as a major family type. Clinical experience and research indicate lack of awareness of stepfamily issues by educational and social institutions. Stepparents comment on the need for the educational system to be more sensitive to the experience of their children. Stepfamilies need to be recognized, and their unique characteristics also need to be acknowledged. Social recognition of stepfamilies has been growing. In Michigan, the first Sunday of the year was made Stepparent Day. A growing need exists for pre-remarriage and post-remarriage services to help prospective members of stepfamilies prepare for their new family configuration and provide them with a place to discuss ways to handle unique issues as they unfold during the step-life cycle. Professionals who service stepfamilies need to understand their legal status because of its affects on their lives.
