The State of Family Theory and Research in South Africa (1996)

Including This Report in the State of Family Project

While this report predates the official launch of the State of Family Project by Marriage and Family Review (MFR), we’re excited to include it on our interactive map. Here’s why:

Alignment with Project Goals: This report, published by MFR, delves into a key aspect of family life, echoing the project’s aim to provide comprehensive insights into contemporary families. Its inclusion enriches the project’s scope and historical context.
Honoring MFR’s Legacy: MFR has a long and distinguished history of publishing research on families. Including this report pays homage to that legacy and acknowledges the significant contributions MFR has made to the field.
Valuable Knowledge: Regardless of publication date, the report offers valuable knowledge and insights that resonate with the project’s goals. Sharing it on the map ensures wider accessibility and fosters meaningful conversations about families.

We encourage you to explore the report’s abstract and full article linked below.

African parents and their adorable young children standing together at the front porch of their home.

Abstract

In the early period of research on family in South Africa, family problems and family disruption were prevalent topics. From the mid 1970s on there appear more critical analyses of social injustices as casual factors in African family disruption. One out- standing aspect of family studies during the last decade has been a movement toward interdisciplinary research. The current emphasis in family research and theorizing is on developing research-in- formed theory within the context of societal, political, and social conditions during the radical transformation underway in this society.

https://doi.org/10.1300/J002v22n03_06

By incorporating this report, we demonstrate the State of Family Project’s commitment to comprehensiveness, historical awareness, and the pursuit of knowledge that benefits families and communities.

This report was authored by: Anna Steyn & Sylvia Viljoen

Notes

images from istockphoto.com

Contributors

profajames

Anthony G. James, Jr. holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Sociology (with a minor in Military Science) from Lincoln University (MO). He is an associate professor in the Department of Family Science & Social Work at Miami University. He is the editor-in-chief of Marriage and Family Review. Dr. James’s research and thought leadership has appeared in Diverse Issue in Higher Education, TIME, and the Thrive Center for Human Development blog. He is the editor of Black Families: A Systems Approach, co-editor of Essays of Advice, and author of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Practical Guide.

Prof. A James Jr.

Anthony James Jr. is a professor at Miami University in the Department of Family Science and Social Work. He is the founder and director of the Center for the Scientific Study of Families.