Rethinking the Family sets out the main trends - the increase in the number of working mothers, in cohabitation and divorce, in single and step parenthood, in people living on their own or in more open same-sex relationships - within the context of ethnic and cultural diversity and an ageing society. What, it asks, are the effects of these changes and what are the implications for future social policy? In pulling together much new research, it offers a balanced understanding of what matters to people in their intimate lives and develops a practical 'ethic of care' which it applies to issues of current concern, including the work/life balance, parenting support, partnership agreements, services for children, divorce, social inclusion, and citizen participation.