Open AccessUnderstanding contemporary Family Support: Reflections on theoretical and conceptual frameworks
Author(s) -
Nick Frost,
Carmel Devaney,
David Herrera-Pastor
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
social work and social sciences review/social work and social sciences review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.16
H-Index - 9
eISSN - 1746-6105
pISSN - 0953-5225
DOI - 10.1921/swssr.v21i2.1420
Subject(s) - foundation (evidence) , sociology , field (mathematics) , conceptual framework , epistemology , engineering ethics , joint (building) , management science , knowledge management , computer science , social science , political science , engineering , architectural engineering , philosophy , mathematics , pure mathematics , law
Family Support is a transdisciplinary field made up of practices and knowledge from different areas, theories and approaches. This article strives to contribute to the development of this complex epistemological foundation by undertaking a review of the main theoretical frameworks. The relationship between the practice and theory of Family Support is analysed in the paper. A review of the ‘state of the art’ is undertaken, exploring both the role of wide-ranging social theory, and more specific psycho-social theories. Practical examples are provided to ground the analysis. Finally, the article proposes an integrated model proposed providing a critical and versatile approach to understanding different realities. Cross-national joint construction is encouraged to advance Family Support as both a theory and to provide a framework which guides both practice and policy.