The globalization of politics, economics, culture, and other social systems are creating challenges and opportunities for families throughout the world. Yet, sociologists and other scholars who study families are often unfamiliar with the theories and research on globalization.

Global Families provides family scholars with a methodical introduction to the interdisciplinary field of globalization. It then examines the ways in which globalization impinges on families throughout the world in four major areas: demographic transitions, world-wide culture, international violence, and transnational employment. It concludes with a discussion of supra-national policies and other efforts to position families in this global landscape.