The recent political/economic transformation of post-SovietRussia and other East European countries has impacted family lifeas well, but social transformation in these societies has not beenstudied as much. Carlback (history, S繹dert繹rn U.,Sweden) and Stockholm University researchers present country-specific case studies of changing family norms and practices--particularly in regard to gender roles, and the implications ofmarriage and divorce laws, childcare, and other family-relatedsocialist state policies. Contradictory official communist attitudestoward gender equality and parenting responsibilities arediscussed. Annotation 穢2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)