Please follow instructions and rubric EXACTLY.
or this assignment, you will create an individualized theory of the family, based on your selection of the ‘best’ from each of the family theories we have studied in the course:
- Functionalist
- Conflict
- Symbolic Interactionist
- Family Developmental
- Family Systems
- Social Exchange
- Feminist
- Life Course
- Family Ecological
- Family Stress and Resilience.
This theory is to be your unique ‘blend’ or hybrid of the existing theories, rather than a completely new theory you create yourself. It is an integrated, emerging theory based on your knowledge and experience at this point in your studies. You may give your unique and customized theory a name. Conceptualizing your family theory will assist you in developing a framework for applying best practices in your work with families.
Your Family Theory Paper should be 4 pages single spaced, not including the title page and reference page. APA format is required, please ensure that your APA is done correctly needs to be checked thoroughly. You must utilize the course text as one of your sources, as well as a minimum of 5 other peer-reviewed journal articles or academic books for a minimum total of 6 references. You are encouraged to include in your theory the integration of a Christian worldview, citing the Bible as an additional reference within the guidelines of APA. Please view the rubric prior to completing this assignment.
Each section of your paper should include a well-developed account with definitions, the basic ideas of your theory, and citations to support your ideas. Your paper should include the following 4 Sections, with each as a Sub-Heading in the document. The descriptors below for each section are not an exhaustive list of what should be included but, rather, are offered as reminders of some important components:
1. Introduction/Thesis Statement
- Include a brief history of the study of families
- Who are the major theorists in family studies?
- Why is it important for a human services professional to study and know about family theory?
- Why is it important for the human services professional to conceptualize his/her own theory of family?
- Provide background information supporting your theory
- Offer a thesis statement that condenses and conveys your overall theory of family in 2 or 3 sentences in a way that compels your audience to keep reading
2. Theoretical Foundations
- This section will include the majority of the theoretical perspectives and orientations influencing and comprising your own theory. Describe in detail your developed view of ‘family’ as it unfolds in your unique model. This section comprises the bulk of the assignment.
- Compare and contrast your theory, along with those existing theories to which you subscribe, to other theories that are not supportive of (not in line with) yours
3. Practical Application of Theory
- Provide practical application of your theory, How would it ‘look’ in real-world work with a family? You may create example scenarios to illustrate.
- What are the considerations in your theory for family differences (e.g., culture, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status)?
4. Summary/Conclusion
- Briefly review the main points in your paper
- What are the most critical points you want the reader to remember about your theory (and that you plan to incorporate into your own best practices)?
- What are your thoughts and recommendations regarding effective work with families? (be sure these reflections are aligned with your theory as you have presented it.)