Families are often seen in contradictory terms: as a natural unit and one that is in crisis. Family and intimate relationships are at the same time both intensely personal and political social entities. In this unit you will explore the complex nexus between these two dimensions by examining the diversity of ways in which people and society define and live in intimate relationships, and howthese relationshipslink into broader social life and social change. The topics in this unit include: relationship types (e.g. divorce, singledom, de facto relationships, gay and lesbian partnerships); love, sex and commitment; children and parenting; balancing work and family; violence; money; connections across generations; and the laws, social policies and social discourses that interact and impact upon our own, and others', families.

In this unit, the social life of love, family and sexuality are examined primarily from an Australian perspective, but draw on theoretical and empirical literature and debates from other countries. This global context is important to show the strong similarities that exist across countries in this field and to also highlight those arenas, debates and patterns which are distinctively Australian.

This is an appropriate unit for those students aiming to work in social policy, social work, education or social research.