Formerly CIP. Uk

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Using a sociological and an international perspective, this book analyses some of the newest forms of femininities and masculinities and their interaction with partnership behaviour, family arrangements, and social movements. As new forms of family and 'non-traditional' families grow in number, there is a need to understand these 'new' arrangements and models of parenthood. This ground-breaking book discusses, using a comparative and a sociological perspective, examples of the relationship between changing gender identities and processes of family formation in the Western experience. It aims to show that, in the 21st century, it is possible to form a family without sex, without children, without a shared home, without a partner, without a working husband, without a heterosexual orientation or without a biological' sexual body. 'Diversity in family life' will help readers discover and understand the characteristics, advantages and drawbacks of these new models of parenthood, and their political implications in terms of social movements, characteristics and demands.

Also available in printed form ISBN 9781447300939

Electronic reproduction. Askews and Holts. Mode of access: World Wide Web.