Examined data on 1,023 married women from 1987-88 National Survey of Families and Households. Found that mothers with at least one boy reported significantly lower propensity to divorce compared to mothers with only girls. Fathers in families with boys were more engaged with children, which was associated with mothers perceiving less disadvantage…

Deserting fathers are often the victims of a society which is frustrated, ignorant and failing in its provision of sound family policy. A study of the impact of the criminal justice system on deserting nonsupporting fathers in relation to the fulfillment of their roles as providers indicates that these individuals need assistance in coping with…

The author examines seven myths, such as: divorce is preferable to an unhappy home; children anticipate divorce; turmoil ends with separation; and divorce damages children. She concludes that divorce initiates a prolonged and often difficult transition for children, which may benefit or harm them depending on how parents handle it. (SJL)

Presents a conceptual framework for the family's reorganization after a divorce, viewed as a crisis of family transition. Social workers must be prepared to help a couple with the complex process of terminating spousal roles but continuing and redefining parental roles, which is central to family redefinition. (Author)

The chronically reconstituting family is a normal and appropriate variation to the traditional pattern. Those processes characteristic of the chronically reconstituting family entail significant psychological and social consequences. Careful evaluation of those norms and values that contribute to this process must be the concern of all clinicians.…