Pew Learning Center and Ellison Library

General:
Kearl's Guide to the Sociology of the Family--Marriage and Family Processes include family definition and coverage of cultural factors, relationships, parenting, and work.
Public Agenda Issue Guide: The Family--information includes nonpartisan opinion research, see also the Child Care, Race, and Poverty and Welfare Issue Guides.

Topic 1: Defining the Family and "Family Crisis"
Council on Contemporary Families (CCF)--focus on America's changing families.
The Current State of Marriage and the Family--from Duquesne's Family Institute.
Family Research Council--"defending family, faith, and freedom."
Institute for American Values--for marriage and family life renewal, against divorce.

Topic 2: Theories
The Feminist Theory Website--theory, national/ethnic feminism, and feminists.
A Sociological Tour through Cyberspace: Matters of Theory--links to web sites.
SocioSite: Sociological Subjects--Theory link includes Famous Sociologists.
Theoretical Perspectives (from Sociology Central)--key ideas, names, criticisms, and critics of perspectives.
Theoretical Perspectives (Russ Long's Lecture Notes)--on functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives.

Topic 3: Social Changes and Their Impacts
Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR)--issues concerning women and families.
The Mothers Movement Online--"resources and reporting for mothers and others who think about social change."
Mothers Ought to Have Equal Rights: News--on economic security for caregivers.

Topic 4: Work, Family and Parenting
The Family Initiative--advocating stronger afterschool, preschool, and child care.
National Partnership for Women & Families --to improve work/family policies.
NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development--influence of child care on development.

Topic 5: Race, Class, Gender and Diversity in Families
Alternatives to Marriage Project (AtMP)--"advocates for equality and fairness for unmarried people ... and supports healthy relationships in all their diversity."
Association of Multiethnic Americans (AMEA)--represents the multiethnic community.
Family Diversity--entry from the Sloan Network online Work-Family Encyclopedia.
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)--provides support and education on diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Topic 6: Courtship, Dating, Love and Marriage
Covenant Marriage Links--from the Americans for Divorce Reform web page.
Hooking up, Hanging out, and Hoping for Mr. Right: College Women on Dating and Mating Today--current dating and relationships Institute for American Values report.
The National Marriage Project--"to strengthen the institution of marriage by providng research and analysis that informs public policy."
Ten Important Research Findings on Marriage and Choosing a Marriage Partner: Helpful Facts for Young Adults--from National Marriage Project’s Ten Things to Know Series.

Topic 7: Domestic Violence and Welfare Policies
Administration for Children & Families (ACF): Welfare Reform--government site.
Child Trends--research to improve lives of children and families, includes DataBank.
Child Welfare--includes state coverage of adoption, child abuse, and foster care.
Family Violence Summary--NCJRS (National Criminal Justice Reference Service).
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)--includes coverage on welfare.