Exploring family theories

About this book

This volume is a combined text/reader that integrates theory with research and applications. Presenting a diverse variety of perspectives, it offers students an introduction to family theories, presenting the history, scholarship, and critiques of each principal family theory. Numerous illustrations and examples augment and clarify content, while application questions help students relate each theory to the real world. After each chapter, a follow-up journal article exemplifies how each theory is used to guide actual research. The purpose of this text is to provide a basic introduction to the major theories pertaining to the family among professionals today. Each addresses different aspects of family life and answers different questions. Humans are extremely complex, and it is difficult to analyze ourselves; therefore, every theory will be imperfect. Bur each one brings us closer to understanding and being able to make positive change where needed in family life. Each theory has its own basic assumptions and concepts and is a product of its own historical context as well. Each is used in answering specific research questions that other theories may not answer or may answer differently.