In this groundbreaking work, Elsie Worthington Clews Parsons provides a detailed examination of the family as a social institution, drawing on ethnographic and historical sources to trace its evolution and significance across different cultures and time periods. With thoughtful analysis and comprehensive research, Parsons offers a compelling study of the family as a site of cultural production and transformation. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the anthropology of the family and its role in shaping society.

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