The theme of this volume of the Nebraska Symposium on Motivation is the state of contemporary family life and the likelihood of reconciling individual family members' interests with those of the family as a whole. The volume attempts to reflect the dramatic differences that took place within families currently and a generation ago, including changes in family attitudes, family law, everyday attitudes, and motivation. Eight articles are presented in this collection: (1) "Introduction: Personal Satisfaction and the Welfare of Families, Communities, and Society" (Gary B. Melton) provides an overview of changes in various aspects of family life; (2) "Growing Up in a Socially Toxic Environment: Life for Children and Families in 1990s" (James Garbarino) discusses the social context in which children live; (3) "The Deterioration of the Family: A Law and Economics Perspective" (Allen M. Parkman) discusses family formation and the importance of children from the economics and legal points of view; (4) "Community, Family and the Social Good: The Psychological Dynamics of Procedural Justice and Social Identification" (Tom R. Tyler and Peter Degoey) discusses how people develop social motivations, and the legitimacy of authorities; (5) "Social or Individual Orientation? Dilemmas in a Post-Communist World" (Mati Heidmets) discusses social good which attempts to achieve a better understanding of human condition and social transformation; (6) "Social Networks and Family Violence in Cross-Cultural Perspective" (Jill E. Korbin) discusses family violence and child maltreatment; (7) "Divorce and Custody: The Rights, Needs, and Obligations of Mothers, Fathers and Children" (Eleanor E. Maccoby) discusses parenting obligations, roles and styles; and (8) "Epilogue: Psychology, Law, and the Family" (Ronald Roesch) summarizes the issues discussed in the preceding articles. Each article contains references. (MOK)