Family studies expert Stephanie Coontz will lead a presentation titled “Diversity in American Families: Myths and Realities” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, in Derryberry Auditorium, as part of our commemoration of Women's History Month.

Stephanie Coontz

Coontz, who teaches history and family studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., has written four books and edited another about social concepts of American families. Her latest, Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy, or How Love Conquered Marriage (Viking), was selected as one of the best books of 2005 by the Washington Post.

She is director of research and public education for the Council on Contemporary Families, and her expertise has led to appearances on the "Today Show," the "Oprah Winfrey Show," CNN’s "Talk Back Live" and other national television shows.

Coontz serves as a marriage consultant to The Ladies Home Journal, and her work has also been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Newsweek, Harper’s, Vogue and Mirabella.

Her presentation, a Center Stage event, is hosted by the Women’s Center. The lecture is free and open to everyone.