Themes and Threads of Family Theories: A Brief History

Abstract

This paper provides the historical context for the ideas and issues that have been central to family theories for the past several decades. We begin with patriarchy and modernization (especially the removal of productive work from the home) in the 19th century. These theoretical variables are followed by functionalism and evolutionism in the mid-20th century, and then technology, globalism, and the demographic transition at the end of the 20th century. Post-modernism is introduced with the 21st century. Then, after these theoretical issues, we look briefly at families and their futures around the world.