The paper analyses changes in family studies since the end of the 20th century. The turns in sociological theory and influence of family transformations are among reasons for these changes. Diversity of sexual cohabitations, distribution of new types of reproductive and parental behavior, changes in gender roles have caused the need for renewal of methodology and mainlines in family research. Turns in the sociological theory are dealt with, which led to methodology turns in the family studies. Author investigated a turn from macro-approach to micro one, a turn from structural functionalism to constructivism, a turn from institutional approach to family practices. New directions in family research are discussed such as nontraditional families, new fatherhood and childlessness. Final part of the article addresses academic discussion about family future. Author draws attention to ambivalence of recent family processes. On the one hand, new phenomena in the family sphere spread. On the other, traditions like values, marriage orientation, and intergeneration solidarity are intact.