The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives (3rd Edition)

This is the eagerly-awaited new edition of The Changing Family Life Cycle. Betty Carter and Monica McGoldrick are two of the best-known family therapists in the U.S. The authors have been particularly known for the introduction of feminist theory to family therapy. The new title, The Expanded Family Life Cycle, represents some of the sweeping changes in the text. The new edition proposes “a new and more comprehensive way to think about human development and the life cycle.” It reflects changes in society away from orientation toward the nuclear family, toward a more diverse and inclusive definition of “family.”

This expanded view of the family includes the impact of issues at multiple levels of the human system: the individual, family households, the extended family, the community, the cultural group, and the larger society. This edition features a ground-breaking integration of individual male and female development in systemic context; our increasing racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity; the emergence of men's movements and issues; the growing visibility of lesbian and gay families; and the neglected area of social class. Significantly changed or expanded, new chapters include individual development (Ch. 2); a clinical method based on Bowen's coaching of individuals (Ch. 26); women's and men's issues throughout the life cycle (Chs. 6 and 7); cultural issues (Chs. 4, 8, 10, and 19); social class (Ch. 5); lesbian and gay families (Ch. 20); single adults (Ch. 21); siblings (Ch 9); and violence (Ch 28).

The Classics Edition of The Expanded Family Life Cycle, with a new foreword by Donald Bloch, continues to provide "a new and more comprehensive way to think about human development and the life cycle," reflecting society's shift away from the nuclear family toward a more diverse and inclusive definition of family. Theory and research are integrated with clinical guidelines and cases by two of the most respected authors, teachers, and clinicians in the field of family therapy–Betty Carter and Monica McGoldrick.

“This text is a classic in the field of family psychology and family therapy. It provides a framework in which current family life cycle stressors, family intergenerational history, and current sociocultural factors are beautifully integrated and applied to an understanding of family functioning. Further, it is one of the few texts I know that can span undergraduate and graduate education, providing information relevant for both beginning and more advanced students. The information is presented clearly and is written by experienced clinicians who supply lots of clinical cases to exemplify the points they are trying to make, resulting in absorbing reading. I have been using this text for the past ten years or so, and plan to use it indefinitely.”
–Leslie Brody, Boston University

“The text's primary theme is diversity. The contents cover a broad range of topics from Latino family life cycle to gay and lesbian life cycle. Issues such as death, migration, violence, and gender add to the breadth and interest of this text and it position it to be useful to many....The text is easy to understand and engaging,...is written with clarity and an excellent balance between knowledge and application. The case illustrations throughout the book are helpful in providing an illustration of the concepts and holding the interest of the reader.”
–Kathleen Briggs, Oklahoma State University

“The text is well written, which makes it a pleasure to read. I find the use of metaphors and analogies very effective....The Adam and Eve reference in the conclusion of chapter one is a favorite quote of mine regarding the timelessness of family violence....The chapter on self in context is particularly valuable. It introduces some key concepts regarding developmental and social issues relevant to gay and lesbian youth that continue throughout the text....The Carter and McGoldrick text is a valuable component of students' foundation studies related to family issues.”
–Margarete Parrish, University of Maryland, Baltimore