Includes bibliographical references and index.

Unit 1. Is it ever appropriate to spank a child? -- Should adoptive parents adopt only within their own racial/ethnic group? -- Does divorce create long-term negative effects for children? -- Should parents homeschool their children? -- Do mothers who work outside of the home have a negative effiect on their children? -- Unit 2. Should "Abstinence-Until-marriage" be the only message for teens? -- Should parents routinely vaccinate their children? -- Should parents be able to select the biological sex of their children? -- Should parents surgically alter their intersex infants? -- Should minors be required to get their parent's permission in order to obtain an abortion? -- Unit 3. Should same-sex couples be allowed to legally marry? -- Should the U.S. Constitution be amended to protect the "Sanctity of Marriage"? -- Should lesbians and gay individuals be allowed to adopt children? -- Unit 4. Is cybersex "Cheating"? -- Are open relationships healthy? -- Does pornography reduce the incidence of rape? -- Should men who have sex with men be allowed to donate blood? -- Are statutory rape laws effective at protecing minors?

This debate-style reader includes a compilation of issues debating aspects of marriage, family life and traditional assumptions; challenges to successful relationships; parenthood; and relational conflict and dissolution.