Family theories and methods

William J. Doherty

Pauline Boss

Ralph LaRossa

Walter R. Schumm

Suzanne Steinmetz

pp. 3-30

in: Pauline Boss, Ralph LaRossa, Walter R. Schumm, Suzanne Steinmetz (eds), Sourcebook of family theories and methods, Berlin, Springer, 1993

Abstract

This introductory chapter to the Sourcebook of Family Theories and Methods deals with the sociocultural and historical contexts of family theories and methods as they have developed in the twentieth century. It also addresses the issues of what theory is, what are the bases for evaluating family theory, what are the goals of family theory, and how family scholars have shifted their understandings of the nature of family theory and the research methods used to validate it. As reflected in the quotes above from philosopher Alasdaire MacIntyre and sociologists Mirra Komarovsky and Willard Waller, these questions are simultaneously about social science theory; methodology; application in the realms of education, clinical practice, and public policy; and the social and moral dilemmas of our time.