This work addresses the social phenomenon of stepfamilies, acknowledging their growing numbers and examining the social factors that lead to their prevalence. It queries how stepchildren are raised; how such families function in later life; and how public policy should adapt to these families. "...an important contribution to the stepfamily literature ...replete with suggestions for further research with stepfamilies."—Journal of Marriage and the Family"...the reader benefits not only from a thorough review or presentation of original research but also from several other researchers' thoughtful discussion, elaboration, and sometimes dissent from the perspective of the lead scientist....This book is tailor-made for those wishing to come up to speed rapidly in a growing area of research. The individual research chapters will reward the time spent digesting them; the discussion chapters are sufficient to acquaint the newcomer with at least some of the major issues or research controversies in the area; and the chapter bibliographies are a good next step for further grounding."—Contemporary Psychology