Acknowledgments Part I: The Study 1. Introduction: Diane F. Alters and Lynn Schofield Clark 2. The Journey from Post-positivist to Constructivist Methods: Lynn Schofield Clark 3. Developing a Theory of Media, Home, and the Family: Lynn Schofield Clark and Diane F. Alters 4. The Family in U.S. History and Culture: Diane F. Alters Part II: The Case Studies: An Introduction: Lee Hood, Lynn Schofield Clark, Joseph G. Champ and Diane F. Alters 5. Being Distinctive in a Mediated Environment: The Ahmeds and the Paytons: Lynn Schofield Clark 6. At the Heart of the Culture: The Hartmans and the Roelofs: Diane F. Alters 7. Fitting in with the Media: The Price-Benoits and the Franzes: Lee Hood 8. Couch Potatoes Reconsidered: The Vogels and the Carsons: Joseph G. Champ Conclusion: The Intentional and Sophisticated Relationship: Diane F. Alters and Lynn Schofield Clark Authors

Stewart M. Hoover is Professor and Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Lynn Schofield Clark is Assistant Research Professor at the Center for Mass Media Research in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Diane F. Alters is a doctoral student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. LeeHood is Assistant Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication. They are all at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Joseph G. Champ is a Full-time Instructor in the Department of Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism at Colorado State University.

Based on extensive fieldwork, this book examines how parents make decisions regulating media use, and how media practices define contemporary family life.