Family diversity and change in Britain and western Europe

The authors examine recent changes in family relationships in Britain and other countries in Western Europe. To begin with, the authors focus on demographic change, in particular the increased diversity in people's partnership behavior. In considering theoretical accounts that have been given for these changes, the authors explore the ways in which the character of partnership commitment is altering. Particular attention is paid to the growth of cohabitation and the effect this has on cultural understandings of marital commitment. The implications for wider kinship solidarities of changing practices around partnership commitment are discussed. A key theme within this concerns the diversity and complexity of the manner in which family and kinship are negotiated and constructed.