Family Science provides unique and important perspectives
on understanding and working with families.
While research in other social sciences, such as psychology and sociology, focuses on various individuals or groups of people, the focus in Family Science is specifically on families and their distinct dynamics — relationships and interactions among family members, and how families exist and function within society.
What Makes Family Unique
Compared to Other Groups?
A family isn't just a collection of individuals — as a whole, a family is greater than the sum of its parts.
Stephan M. Wilson, Ph.D., former professor of Human Development and Family Science and dean at Oklahoma State University, explains what sets families apart from other groups and why the Family Science lens is so important.
our work as family scientists is…
Family Science focuses on strengthening healthy interpersonal relationships within all types of diverse families — between parents, romantic partners, parents and their children, siblings, and other family relationships — at all stages of life.
Family Science scholars and professionals use research findings to create programs that will best serve families, and they implement evidence-based practices when working with families.
Family Science professionals often apply their knowledge about healthy families with the goal of preventing potential problems before they occur, or minimizing existing issues.
Family Science scholars and professionals see that all families have strengths. A strengths-based approach is about developing sustainable, self-sufficient families by helping identify and establish additional strengths — not by saving, doing for, or fixing families.
Findings from Family Science research are meant to be used in the real world. Family Science professionals translate and apply research findings when working directly with all types of families in a variety of contexts.
“I want to help our communities understand the transitions that families go through. My hope is that we’ll be able to normalize talking about those family things.”
a Unique SET of KNOWLEDGE & Skills
Family Scientists possess key skills needed to be successful and make an impact in numerous careers. They know how to think critically and analytically, and how to work in and lead teams. They have strong communication and problem-solving abilities, and many have skills in program development, grant writing, and research.
Importantly, Family Scientists are uniquely positioned to:
examine relationships, interactions, and dynamics within families
apply deep knowledge of what healthy families look like,
use research findings to inform work with all types of diverse, evolving families
prevent problems within families before they occur
help families identify and build on their strengths
positively impact society by empowering families to enrich their own well-being