How important is family structure? Does the perception that children of divorced parents suffer hold true under the scrutiny of research? Is the traditional two parent//two child family ideal in terms of well-being? In this volume, two leading family researchers analyze these crucial questions. Using the United States National Survey of Families and Households, they examine the four most common family types - two parent families, divorced mothers with children, remarried families and unmarried mothers - to analyze the impact of family structure versus other factors.How important is family structure? Does the perception that children of divorced parents suffer hold true under the scrutiny of research? Is the traditional two parent//two child family ideal in terms of well-being? In this volume, two leading family researchers analyze these crucial questions. Using the United States National Survey of Families and Households, they examine the four most common family types - two parent families, divorced mothers with children, remarried families and unmarried mothers - to analyze the impact of family structure versus other factors.Family Structure in Context Theoretical Perspectives Linking Family Structure, Family Relations, and Well-Being Research Design and Profile of American Families Marital, Postmarital, and Nonmarital Relations Parent-Child Relations Family Structure and Mothers' Well-Being Family Structure and Children's Well-Being Beyond Family Structure