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Teaching About Family Science as a Discipline

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Handbook of Marriage and the Family

Abstract

Throughout the chapters in this Handbook, research, theory, and methodology have been presented on marriage and family. The content provides much of the background for one to understand the study of family and family science as a discipline. In this chapter, the goal is to explore ideas around teaching family science as a discipline. We will examine the terms used to describe the science and the profession, and where the field fits among social science disciplines as primary, secondary, or tertiary. We will discuss the ethics, theories, and methodologies that many scholars believe should be included in the study of marriage and family and provide a discourse on whether or not a separate discipline of family science exists today. The seven criteria for a field to become a true discipline as described by Burr and Leigh (1983) will be explored. We will examine what “teaching” about families entails as the field prepares professionals. Finally, we will identify some emerging and futuristic topics for family science educators to consider.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA

    Sandra J. Bailey PhD

  2. Instructional Development Center, Heartland Community College, Normal, IL, USA

    Deborah B. Gentry PhD

Authors
  1. Sandra J. Bailey PhD
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  2. Deborah B. Gentry PhD
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Correspondence to Sandra J. Bailey PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Miami University Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Oxford, Ohio, USA

    Gary W. Peterson

  2. Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Miami University Dept. Family Studies & Social Work, Oxford, Ohio, USA

    Kevin R. Bush

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Bailey, S.J., Gentry, D.B. (2013). Teaching About Family Science as a Discipline. In: Peterson, G., Bush, K. (eds) Handbook of Marriage and the Family. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3987-5_35

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