This volume reports on data collected from 1968 through 1974. Considerable attention is given to a systematic look at several of the more important changes in family composition and the relationship between these changes and changes in economic well-being. Taken into consideration is the impact family composition changes have on the economic status of men and women in black and white families. Changes considered include marital disruption, unmarried heads of households and marriage, and older children splitting off. Other factors contributing to the economic change and/or status of families examined include the impact of inflation on commuting and driving costs, on food expenditures, and on housing costs. In addition, there are special studies on labor market sex discrimination, the anatomy of inequality, and the incidence of poverty among school age children. Other research being done with panel data is summarized. Appendices include a seven year check of the possible effects, motives, and behavior patterns on change in economic status, a simultaneous equations estimation, response rates and data quality, and samples of 1969 and 1974 questionnaires. (Author/EB)