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The Current Status of Theorizing About Families

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Handbook of Marriage and the Family

Abstract

This chapter reviews the broader and intellectually problematic context of our theoretical knowledge about families by examining the goals of producing both explanation and knowledge. Theory is defined within this broader context. A review of theoretical framework useful to the study of families includes rational choice and exchange, life course and family development, symbolic interaction, ecological and system theories, and conflict and feminist theories. To demonstrate theoretical insight in the study of the family, the specific area of marital relationships and marital stability is examined. Methodological advances in constructing theories such as multilevel propositions, hierarchical theory and modeling, and optimal matching are discussed. The conclusion of the chapter assesses the current status of theorizing about families and offers a more optimistic appraisal than some previous scholars.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, Anthropology and Sociology Building, Room 2123, 6303 North West Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z1

    James M. White PhD

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  1. Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Miami University Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Oxford, Ohio, USA

    Gary W. Peterson

  2. Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Miami University Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Oxford, Ohio, USA

    Kevin R. Bush

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White, J.M. (2013). The Current Status of Theorizing About Families. In: Peterson, G., Bush, K. (eds) Handbook of Marriage and the Family. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3987-5_2

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