In this Module, you will learn the basic concepts of the most widely recognized theories applied to families. A theory is an assumption or worldview that explains how to look at or understand some sort of phenomenon, process, or dynamic. In this case, theories give us a lens through which to understand families. Researchers in the fields of family social science, psychology, sociology, demography, and feminist scholarship and gender studies all play a role in improving our insight into how families work.

Social science research is an effort to examine how much or how well our assumptions, or theories, explain what we observe within families and between families and their environments. Social science research also generates the data. or evidence, that supports and challenges our assumptions. Theories are expanded on, or modified through testing using appropriate methodologies.

Module Outcomes: