A content analysis of articles published from 1968 to 1977 in the "Journal of Marriage and the Family," and of family-related articles published in the "American Journal of Sociology" and the "American Sociological Review," was undertaken in order to determine how frequently various topics in family sociology have appeared in these journals; to assess which topics are increasing or decreasing in frequency of appearance; and to compare topics across the three journals. Findings suggest that: (1) the area of sex roles is the most popular topic in the family literature; (2) child socialization is decreasing in emphasis; and (3) marital satisfaction and adjustment are the most frequent concerns of marital interaction research. The general conclusion is that the family field is becoming increasingly "adult-oriented," reflecting a more general social trend which increasingly views the family as a context for self-expression rather than as a context for child-rearing. (Author)