Sourcebook of Family Theories and Methods: A Contextual Approach / Edition 1

by Pauline Boss, William J. Doherty, Ralph LaRossa, Walter R. Schumm, Suzanne K. Steinmetz

Overview

Origins We call this book on theoretical orientations and methodological strategies in family studies a sourcebook because it details the social and personal roots (i.e., sources) from which these orientations and strategies flow. Thus, an appropriate way to preface this book is to talk first of its roots, its beginnings. In the mid 1980s there emerged in some quarters the sense that it was time for family studies to take sk of itself. A goal was thus set to write a book that, like Janus, would face both backward and forward a book that would give readers both a perspec tive on the past and a map for the future. There were precedents for such a project: The Handbook of Marriage and the Family edited by Harold Christensen and published in 1964; the two Contemporary Theories about theFamily volumes edited by Wesley Burr, Reuben Hill, F. Ivan Nye, and Ira Reiss, published in 1979; and the Handbook of Marriage and the Family edited by Marvin Sussman and Suzanne Steinmetz, then in production.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306442643
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	03/31/1993
Edition description:	1993
Pages:	748
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.06(d)

Table of Contents

Overview: Family Theories and Methods (W.J. Doherty et al.). Metatheory and Family Studies (D.M. Klein, J.A. Jurich). The Emergence of Family Theories and Methods: The History of Family Theory (B.N. Adams, S.K. Steinmetz). Comparative Methods in Family Research (G.R. Lee, L. Haas). Family Theories and Methods Emerging During 1918-1929: Symbolic Interactionism and Family Studies (R. LaRossa, D.C. Reitzes). Qualitative Family Research (P.C. Rosenblatt, L.R. Fischer). Family Theories and Methods Emerging During 1930-1945: Quantitative Measurement in Family Research (K.S. Wampler, C.F. Halverston, Jr.). Family Theories and Methods Emerging During 1946-1960: Family Development Theory (R.H. Rodgers, J.M. White). Family Theories and Methods Emerging During 1960-1980: Systems Theories (G.G. Whitechurch, L. Constantine). Family Theories and Methods Emerging During the 1980s: Communication Theory and the Family (M.A. Fitzpatrick, L.D. Ritchie). 17 additional articles. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Presents the story of the development of family theory from its origins in religion and philosophy through the theory construction and methodology of the mid-20th century and the newly emerging models of the late 20th century, emphasizing not only family theory but also research methods and the relationship between the two. Also addresses the implications of the theories for helping contemporary families to cope with problems and to enhance the quality of their lives. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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