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Beyond the Beyond: The Growth of Family Theories in the 1970s

1980; Wiley; Volume: 42; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/351821

1741-3737

Thomas B. Holman, Wesley R. Burr,

Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

The decade of 1970s was a period of rapid development in family theory. Our review shows methodological developments, primitive theory building, and improved technology of previous decades led to a virtual explosion in interest in, and deveiopment of, Jamily theory. Broderick (1971)felt we had moved beyond Hill and Hansen's (1960) five conceptual framework in 1960s; in 1970s we moved beyond the beyond. We view only symbolic interaction theory, exchange theory, and systems theory as major schools of thought in 1970s. We discuss several minor theories which may yet have an impact on field, and several theories which are peripheral to field. Theories of middle-range developed unevenly during decade. Some, such as mate selection, are relatively sophisticated while others, such as sibling relationships, are still quite primitive. While we seem no closer to general theory of family so many have called for, we argue that such a theory may be not only an impossible dream, but also unnecessary. Instead, we urge theorists in 1980s to do a number of things including continuing to improve existing theory and continuing to develop metatheory and methodologies of building theory. In sum, we feel field has taken some giant steps forward in 1970s, but that much still needs to be done.