Synopses & Reviews
This "choices" theme based marriage and family book supports the goals of most professors by applying research and theory to readers' lives, and by encouraging lively classroom discussion. How? Through its interactive pedagogy (e.g. self assessments), currency of data, engaging writing style, and focus on social policy issues within the context of each chapter. The authors show users how positive outcomes in personal relationships depend on making intelligent choices. They accomplish this by encouraging readers to explore the tradeoffs that choices involve, how to view situations in a positive light, and how not making a choice is really a choice. Thus, readers learn to approach every intimate relationship with the new freedom and new responsibility that choices involve.
Review
Janice Purk, Mansfield University: "In the Knox/Schacht I really like the Special Topics that are available. These seem to cover areas which are not in the text that I am using." "It gives a good overview of the family system support of research and theory."
Review
Terry Hatkoff, California State University, Northridge: "My students like the text and the approach of the authors." "I would describe it as a well-written, student friendly text that covers a wide range of topics."
Review
Lloyd Pickering, University of Montevallo: "The authors are to be commended for the readability of the text. This applies not only to the wording utilized, but also the structure of the material." "Using this book would allow a more thorough coverage of some areas where my class has been lacking."
Synopsis
Because the right choice is an informed choice, CHOICES IN RELATIONSHIPS: AN INTRODUCTION TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, NINTH EDITION arms you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make wise decisions for a lifetime of positive relationships. CHOICES IN RELATIONSHIPS presents the information that you need to explore the tradeoffs that choices involve, view situations in a positive light, and to understand how even not making a choice is really a choice after all. By applying the concepts in this text to your own life, the authors show you how to approach every intimate relationship with the freedom and responsibility that comes from making educated choices.
About the Author
David Knox, Ph.D., is Professor of Sociology at East Carolina University. He has taught Social Problems, Introduction to Sociology, and Sociology of Marriage Problems. He is the author or co-author of ten books and more than sixty professional articles. His research interests focus on intimate and marriage relationships, and human sexuality.Caroline Schacht, M.A., is an Instructor of Sociology at East Carolina University. She has taught Introduction to Sociology, Deviant Behavior, Individuals in Society, Courtship and Marriage as well as Sociology of Education. She has co-authored several textbooks in the areas of social problems, introductory sociology, courtship and marriage, and human sexuality. Her areas of interest include mediation and conflict resolution, alternative education, social inequality, and environmental problems.
Table of Contents
1. Choices in Relationships: An Introduction. 2. Gender in Relationships. 3. Love in Relationships. 4. Being Single, Hanging Out, Hooking Up, and Living Together. 5. Sexuality in Relationships. 6. Same-Sex Couples and Families. 7. Mate Selection. 8. Marriage Relationships. 9. Communication in Relationships. 10. Planning Children and Contraception. 11. Parenting. 12. Balancing Work and Family Life. 13. Stress and Crisis in Relationships. 14. Violence and Abuse in Relationships. 15. Divorce. 16. Remarriage and Stepfamilies. 17. Aging in Marriage and Family Relationships. Epilogue The Future of Marriage and the Family. Special Topic 1 Money and Debt Management in Marriage. Special Topic 2 HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Special Topic 3 Sexual Anatomy and Physiology. Special Topic 4 Sexual Dysfunctions. Special Topic 5 Careers in Marriage and the Family. Special Topic 6 Resources and Organizations. Appendix A Individual Autobiography Outline. Appendix B Family Autobiography Outline. Appendix C Prenuptial Agreement. Appendix D Living Will. Appendix E Durable Power of Attorney.