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Relational Developmental Systems and Family Research: Considering Qualitative Applications
Author(s) -
Bell Nancy J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of family theory and review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.454
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1756-2589
pISSN - 1756-2570
DOI - 10.1111/jftr.12305
Subject(s) - metatheory , developmental science , perspective (graphical) , grounded theory , epistemology , process (computing) , qualitative research , computer science , psychology , sociology , developmental psychology , social science , artificial intelligence , philosophy , operating system
Relational developmental systems (RDS), a metatheory grounded in the relationism worldview, is becoming more widely accepted in developmental science. Its principles define a perspective that is relational, systemic, holistic, dynamic, and process oriented. Even though child and family development was the topic of the initial formulation of RDS nearly 40 years ago, its application in successive years has remained largely within human development. Here, I consider the applicability of this metatheory to family science. My consideration includes a summary of RDS principles; a description of RDS‐compatible qualitative research in a range of family science topic areas; a discussion of the usefulness of RDS in enhancing coherence among metatheory, methodology, theory, and methods; and conclusions about its potential fit with family science.