The World War ! it was a global military event, the most colossal conflict in history, lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations, including Great Britain. World War II had far-reaching implications for much of the world. The following essay will demonstrate the changes that the British family has undergone since the Second World War - the following essay will also shed light on changes in family typologies, women's economic activities, distribution of power, laws and sexuality in relation to disciplines of sociology, economics, history and politics. The family was a single unit, composed of husband, wife and children. This unit was widely thought of as a group based on marriage and biological parenthood, sharing a common residence and united by bonds of affection, obligation, care, support, and a sense of common identity. However, due to changing values, laws, family structure and social trends, the definition of family has been defined as a married or cohabiting couple with or without children living under the same roof, children may be dependent or independent. (Office for National Statistics) (2006) There appears to be widespread consensus that family and home life has changed dramatically over the last 40 years or so. According to Talcott Parsons, the change in family structure is due to industrialization. The concept that emerged is a new version of the domestic ideal that encapsulates the changed expectations towards family relationships and living conditions. Post-war family life was severely affected. The concept of companionate marriage emerged in the post-war period precisely to build a better life and build a future in which marriage would be the foundation of a better life. Gender equality was born after…… half of the paper…… aspect of the family.Works Cited. Allan, G. (ed.) (1999). The sociology of the family. Malden, MA: Blackwell.ii. Corr, H. and Jamieson, l. (ed.) (1990). The politics of everyday life. London: Macmillan.iii. Elliot, First Aid (1986). The change or continuity of the family. London: Macmillan.iv. Farmer, M. (1970). The family. London and Harlow: Longman.v. Ferri, E., Bynner, J. & Wadsworth, M. (eds.) (2003). Changing Britain, changing lives. London: Institute of Education, University of London.vi. Lewis, J. (1992). Women in Britain since 1945. Oxford: Blackwellvii. Rosenberg, C. E. (ed.) (1978). The family in history. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania press.viii. Office for National Statistics (2006) Household overview: Cohabitation is the fastest growing family type. Retrieved 07/09/2011 from: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1865