The papers in this book investigate the current state of knowledge about how families, various formal and informal community institutions, the workplace, and the marketplace have adapted to changing patterns of labor force participation and related changes in family structure and with what consequences for children. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 documents established and emerging trends in labor force participation, family structure (especially the one-parent, female-headed family), income, and how children spend their time, and briefly discusses policy and research issues that have arisen from changing patterns of work. Part 2 reviews data and research findings on the way in which the workplace, families, and community institutions are responding to these social phenomena and their consequences for children. Particular focus is directed at the impact of parental work on the family as a socialization system and as an economic system; adaptation to a changing work force by employees in different-sized families and different types of organizations; and the relationship between parental employment and children's school achievement, school attainment, and perceptions of themselves and the world in which they live. Finally, part 3 presents conclusions concerning the current state of knowledge and recommendations for future research. (Author/MJL)