In the 1960s the family had been described as 'by far the most important primary group in society'. In this study, originally published in 1969, Dr Turner's aim was to present a conceptual scheme for the analysis of family and kinship in modern Britain at the time.

General Editor's Introduction. 1. Family and Kinship: A Sociological Perspective 2. The British Kinship System 3. The Developmental Cycle: Phases (i) and (ii) 4. The Developmental Cycle: Phases (iii) and (iv) 5. Kinship and Social Structure 6. Conclusion. Appendix: British Kinship Terminology and Kinship Classifications. Suggestions for Further Reading. Bibliography.