Advancing family theories /
White, James M., 1946-
Advancing family theories / James M. White. - London : SAGE, 2005. - ix, 201 p. ; 23 cm.
Formerly CIP.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-185) and indexes.
Introduction -- Family theory and social science -- Science and its critics -- Theory, models, and metaphors -- Function and types of theory -- Rational choice and the family -- Transition theory -- Theory, research, and meta-theory -- Theory and human values -- Conclusion : theories as tools for studying families.
How can the study of families be scientific? What is the difference between postmodern and positivistic approaches? What is the role of models and metaphors in constructing our theoretical knowledge? In Advancing Family Theories, author James M. White addresses such difficult questions that have been longstanding issues within the field of family studies and examines these matters from a social science perspective. Advancing Family Theories explores two contemporary theories of the family-rational choice theory and transition theory. These diametrically different approaches illuminate what differing theories reveal about families. The book also discusses how meta-theories can assist in building and refining theory and offers insight on the "understanding versus explanation" debate. Advancing Family Theories gives students a precise notion of what a theory is and how theories work in research. The book not only looks at philosophical realms but also examines particular substantive theory to explain and predict family behaviors.
9780761929055: £31.00 0761929053 (pbk.)
2004006456
Family--Philosophy
Family--Research
Families--Philosophy
Families--Research
Sociology--Philosophy
Sociology--Methodology
Sociology: family & relationships
Sociology & anthropology
Social work
/ .W52 2005
306.85
Advancing family theories / James M. White. - London : SAGE, 2005. - ix, 201 p. ; 23 cm.
Formerly CIP.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-185) and indexes.
Introduction -- Family theory and social science -- Science and its critics -- Theory, models, and metaphors -- Function and types of theory -- Rational choice and the family -- Transition theory -- Theory, research, and meta-theory -- Theory and human values -- Conclusion : theories as tools for studying families.
How can the study of families be scientific? What is the difference between postmodern and positivistic approaches? What is the role of models and metaphors in constructing our theoretical knowledge? In Advancing Family Theories, author James M. White addresses such difficult questions that have been longstanding issues within the field of family studies and examines these matters from a social science perspective. Advancing Family Theories explores two contemporary theories of the family-rational choice theory and transition theory. These diametrically different approaches illuminate what differing theories reveal about families. The book also discusses how meta-theories can assist in building and refining theory and offers insight on the "understanding versus explanation" debate. Advancing Family Theories gives students a precise notion of what a theory is and how theories work in research. The book not only looks at philosophical realms but also examines particular substantive theory to explain and predict family behaviors.
9780761929055: £31.00 0761929053 (pbk.)
2004006456
Family--Philosophy
Family--Research
Families--Philosophy
Families--Research
Sociology--Philosophy
Sociology--Methodology
Sociology: family & relationships
Sociology & anthropology
Social work
/ .W52 2005
306.85