Drawing on the work of social historians, political economists, sociologists and psychologists, the authors show how the emergence of the kind of emotional intimacy that is the hallmark of the nuclear family is closely interrelated with the needs of a market economy.

Drawing on the work of social historians, political economists, sociologists, and psychologists, the authors go well beyond the usual arguments that show how the needs of the newly industrializing society eroded the traditional bonds of kinship.