Examines social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence relationships, marriage, and family systems. Situates private experiences of intimate relationships in a broader public context through the examination of empirical studies conducted by sociologists using varied theoretical perspectives. Topics include socio-historical development of families, gender roles and expectations, public policies, violence and abuse, and diversity of families and family forms. May be offered in a Distance-Learning Format. CAB GE D, E, CSU GE D, IGETC 4. C-ID: SOCI 130