This timely volume explores the impact of dramatic social change that has disrupted established patterns of family life and human development in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It brings a critical perspective to the emerging challenges facing families in this region.

Jennifer E. Lansford is Research Professor at the Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy in Durham, NC, USA. Her research focuses on parenting and child development in diverse cultural contexts. She has consulted with international agencies, such as UNICEF, on parenting programs and child well-being around the world.

Anis Ben Brik is Associate Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of Public Policy, Qatar. His research focuses on welfare systems, policy evaluation, family policy, child welfare, social protection, and sustainable development in the MENA region. He has advised numerous public entities and international agencies on social issues.

Abdallah M. Badahdah is Associate Professor of Sociology at South Dakota State University, USA. He previously was the Director of Family Research at Doha International Family Institute in Qatar and the chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Qatar University. His research focuses on families, gender, health, and parenting.

1. Families in the Gulf Region 2. Perspectives Towards Intimate Partner Violence, as Influenced by the Introduction of the First and Only Women's Crisis Advocacy Program in the Middle East and North Africa 3. Fertility Transition in Oman: Understanding the Puzzles of Rapid Decline in Fertility 4. Children's Perceptions of Parenting Styles: Ten Years of Research with Omani Families 5. Parental Involvement in Education in the Gulf Region 6. The Role of Families in Supporting Youth Employment in Qatar 7. Youth Independence in Relation to Social Change in the Gulf 8. The Impact of Work-Family Conflict on Job Satisfaction: A Qatari Perspective 9. Social Impact of Foreign Female Domestic Workers from South Asia and Africa on GCC Families 10. Personal Financial Risk Management Practices among Households in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11. Policies and Programs to Promote the Well-being of Families in the Gulf Region