This collection of essays features debate among neoclassical, institutionalist and feminist theorists, providing an invaluable guide to the evolution of economic approaches to the family. The clash of paradigms illuminates some issues of profound concern to economics as a whole, such as the relative importance of altruism and self-interest. Both abstract mathematical models and interdisciplinary approaches are represented, and the empirical articles explore trends in developing as well as advanced industrial countries. The list of specific topics includes bargaining power models, fertility decline, intergenerational transfers, intrahousehold allocation, class inequality, and state policy.

The editor's introduction provides a broad overview of the fascinating controversies that are emerging in this relatively new field of economics.