Understanding contemporary Family Support: Reflections on theoretical  and conceptual frameworks

David Herrera-Pastor; Nick Frost; Carmel Devaney

doi:10.1921/swssr.v21i2.1420

Authors

David Herrera-Pastor Faculty of Education & Sport, University of Granada
Nick Frost School of Health and Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University
Carmel Devaney UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, School of Political Science and Sociology, National University of Ireland, Galway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v21i2.1420

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

David Herrera-Pastor, Faculty of Education & Sport, University of Granada

Senior Researcher

Nick Frost, School of Health and Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University

Professor

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