9 theoretical perspectives

biosocial

evolution of the human species has put in place certain biological endowments that shape and limit family choices (genes/evolutionary heritage)

family development

families experience predictable changes over time (family life cycle)

feminists

gender is central to the analysis of the family; male dominance in society and in the family is oppressive of women (male dominance)

conflict

social and economic relations are not equally beneficial to the parties; conflict and exploitation characterize relations of inequality (power/class)

family ecology

the ecological context of the family affects family life and children's outcomes (human built environment)

systems theory

the family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts (system /equilibrium)

structure functional

the family performs essential functions for society (extended family/nuclear family)

interactionists

the internal dynamics of a group of interacting individuals construct the family (meaning/role taking)

exchange theory

the resources that individuals bring to a relationship or family affect formation continuation nature and power dynamics of a relationship (rewards and costs)