FROM THE EDITORS

Families are the bedrock of all societies. They can comprise anywhere from a small group to scores of individuals, and range from simple structures -- such as a married couple and one child under one roof -- to intricately complex, multigenerational combinations, living in one or more households. Invariably, as a society evolves, so does the family structure. With the modification of other factors -- for example, life expectancy, or attitudes towards adoption -- the impact on the family is telling.

The traditional structure of the American family -- mother, father and children -- continues to prevail for the most part as a new century unfolds. Yet, over the past several decades, U.S. society has witnessed an evolution in family structure and daily life in many respects, because of myriad factors, running the gamut from advancements in science to the composition of the workplace. Single parenthood, adoptive households, step-parenting, stay-at-home fathers, grandparents raising children are but a few of the newer tiles in the mosaic.

This issue of U.S.Society & Values seeks to define the broad tapestry constituting "family" at this moment, how the diverse elements play out on society at large, and the challenges being faced. It focuses on the composition of the American family, the changing roles and responsibilities of parents and grandparents, and the impact of an evolving workplace on family life. And we hear the voices of adults and children from varying perspectives and sets of circumstances.

In presenting this, we acknowledge that another snapshot, at another time in the near or distant future, most likely will be different.