Family as a Conditional Universal
Keywords
Family, universals, sociology
Abstract
The question of universals is important for delimiting a sociological which ought not result in quasi-metaphysical statements. A universal function and structure which is found over time and space, and must, be conceptualized as conditional. A re-examination of Reiss' treatment of the universality of the family leads to an acceptance of nurturant socialization as a conditional universal function, but to a rejection of kin structure in favor of a non-specific self (or selves) - infant conditional universal structure. The "family" as a conditional universal may be defined as the order of infant self-investiture. This definition should aid the investigator to avoid the fallacy and value position of sociocentrism, i.e., absolutizing a past structure.
Original Publication Citation
"""Family as a Conditional Universal,"" Journal of Marriage and the Family 33 (February):188-194 (with A.J. Weigert)."
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Weigert, Andrew J. and Thomas, Darwin L., "Family as a Conditional Universal" (1971). Faculty Publications. 5691.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5691
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1971
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8421
Publisher
Journal of Marriage and the Family
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Sociology
Copyright Use Information
https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/