Originally published in 1978, this book was written in response to the growing need for resource material for Home Economics courses in which the sociological content was becoming increasingly important. It was particularly valuable for A level teachers and students, and it provided a clear and useful introduction to the subject for students following courses in Home Economics, Social Studies and General Studies in colleges of education and polytechnics at the time. It brings together material from a number of disciplines – sociology, economics, psychology – on the home, the family and the community, which had not previously been presented in the context of a single study. The select bibliography suggests further reading for both teachers and students, graded according to difficulty. Today it can read and enjoyed in its historical context.