Synopses & Reviews
Written by a team of experts,
Exploring Family Theories, Second Edition, is a combined text/reader that integrates theory with research and applications. Presenting a diverse variety of perspectives, it offers students a unique and highly readable introduction to family theories.
In each chapter, Suzanne R. Smith, Raeann R. Hamon, Bron B. Ingoldsby, and J. Elizabeth Miller present the history, scholarship, and critiques of each principal family theory in a concise and student-friendly manner. 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.
Now in its second edition, Exploring Family Theories features contemporary--rather than historical--readings and a completely updated literature review. This edition also addresses issues of diversity throughout.
Clear, comprehensive, and concise, Exploring Family Theories, Second Edition, is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in family theory.
Review
"This is an excellent theory book . . . the writing style is clear and concise, and students will find it interesting. I really liked the practical application questions at the end of each chapter; they will assist students in synthesizing and applying what they have learned."--Bahira Sherif-Trask, University of Delaware
"Standard and classic references are balanced with very recent references--nicely done. The 'Research and Application' sections in every chapter bring clarity and understanding. My students are often confused by theories and have a hard time keeping them straight. This text makes every theory memorable by tying it to real-world research and applications."--Mary Bold, Texas Woman's University
"This book takes a reader-friendly approach to subject matter that is typically somewhat cumbersome to learn. The result is a straightforward presentation of theories that enables readers to grasp the basic theoretical assumptions and challenges them to apply the concepts to real-world situations."--Maureen Blankemeyer, Kent State University
Synopsis
Exploring Family Theories integrates theory with research and applications--offering a highly readable introduction to family theories.
In each chapter, the authors present the history, scholarship, and critiques of each principal family theory in a concise and student-friendly manner. Numerous illustrations and examples augment and clarify content. Application questions enhance the student's ability to relate each theory to the real world. A follow-up journal article exemplifies how each theory is used to guide actual research.
About the Author
Suzanne R. Smith is Associate Professor of Human Development, Associate Chair, and Program Director at Washington State University, Vancouver.
Raeann R. Hamon is Distinguished Professor of Family Science and Gerontology and Chair of the Human Development and Family Science Department at Messiah College.
The late Bron B. Ingoldsby was Associate Professor of Family Life at Brigham Young University.
J. Elizabeth Miller is Associate Professor of Family and Child Studies at Northern Illinois University.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
INTRODUCTION
What Is Theory?
Where Do Theories Come From?
How Are Theories Developed?
Theory in Historical Perspective
Family Theory
Text Organization
CHAPTER ONE: SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM THEORY
History
Important Early Contributions
Principal Scholars
Basic Assumptions
First Overarching Theme
Second Overarching Theme
Third Overarching Theme
Primary Terms and Concepts
Symbols
Interaction
Gestures
Social Norms
Rituals
Roles
Salience
Identity
Common Areas of Research and Application
African American Families
The Digital Age
The Role of Intercultural Interactions
Methodological Issues
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "Symbolic Interactionism in Grounded Theory Studies: Women Surviving with HIV/AIDS in Rural Northern Thailand," Areewan Klunkin and Jennifer Greenwood
CHAPTER TWO: STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
Structure
Function
Instrumental
Expressive
Equilibrium
The Benchmark Family
Deviant Behavior
Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion
Common Areas of Research and Application
Family Structure
Family Functions
Origin of the Family
Family Universality
Marital Structure
Working Women
Use by Other Fields of Study
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "The Theoretical Importance of Love," William J. Goode
CHAPTER THREE: FAMILY DEVELOPMENT THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
Family
Normative Events
Stages
Tasks
Timing
Change
Transitions
Common Areas of Research and Application
The Family Life Cycle
The Family Career
The Dynamics of Family Development
The Life Course Perspective
Carter and McGoldrick Model
The Systemic Family Development Model
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "Work-Family Stage and Satisfaction with Work-Family Balance," James M. White
CHAPTER FOUR: FAMILY STRESS THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Stressor Events (A)
Resources (B)
Definition of the Situation (C)
Stress and Crisis (X)
Primary Terms and Concepts
Stressors
Normative Event
Resources
Crisis
Adaptation
Common Areas of Research and Application
Informal Family Care
Work and Family
Adolescent Coping
Nonnormative Stressors
Nonnormative Caregiving
Family Ambiguity
Critique
The Double A Factor: Stress and Change
The Double B Factor: Family Resources
The Double C Factor: Family Perception
The Double X Factor: Family Crisis and Adaption
Mundane Extreme Environmental Stress Model
Family Adjustment and Adaptation: Response (FAAR) Model
Application
Sample Reading: "Ambiguous Loss and the Family Grieving Process," Gabrielle Betz and Jill M. Thorngren
CHAPTER FIVE: FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
System
Boundaries
Entropy
Family Rules
Feedback
Equilibrium
Circular Causality Versus Linear Causality
Identified Patient
Double Bind
Family Cohesion
Family Flexibility
Mutuality
Commons Areas of Research and Application
Communication and Family Typologies
Couples and Family Therapy
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "The Costs of Getting Ahead: Mexican Family System Changes after Immigration," Martica L. Bacallao and Paul R. Smokowski
CHAPTER SIX: CONFLICT THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
Competition
Conflict
Conflict Management
Conflict Resolution
Consensus
Negotiation and Bargaining
Power
Assertion and Aggression
Threats and Promises
Common Areas of Research and Application
Conflict Management
Divorce
Developmental Changes
Abuse
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "Why Welfare?", Karen Seccombe
CHAPTER SEVEN: SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
Rewards
Costs
Profit
Comparison Level
Comparison Level of Alternatives
Norm of Reciprocity
Rule of Distributive Justice, Norm of Fairness, and Equity
Common Areas of Research and Application
Romantic Issues
Relationship Issues
Gender Differences in Sexual Behavior
Decision Making
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "Power and Dependence in Intimate Exchange," Arnout van de Rijt and Michael W. Mucy
CHAPTER EIGHT: FEMINIST THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
Sex
Gender
Categorization
Stratification
Privilege
Social Deconstruction
Social Discourse
Praxis
Common Areas of Research and Application
Division of Labor
Family Violence
Disordered Eating
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "Feminist Visions for Transforming Families: Desire and Equality Then and Now," Katherine R. Allen
CHAPTER NINE: BIOSOCIAL THEORY
History
Basic Assumptions
Primary Terms and Concepts
Adaptation
Fitness
Proximate Causes
Natural Selection
Common Areas of Research and Application
Temperament
Gender
Sexuality
The Role of Testosterone
Critique
Application
Sample Reading: "Biosocial Perspectives on the Family," Alan Booth, Karen Carver, and Douglas A. Granger
Epilogue
Author Index
Subject Index