Perhetutkimus

Perhetutkimus, often translated as family studies or family research, is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated to the scholarly examination of families. It explores the structure, function, dynamics, and evolution of families across diverse cultures and historical periods. Researchers in this field draw upon a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, economics, social work, and public health, to gain a comprehensive understanding of family life.

The scope of perhetutkimus is broad, encompassing various aspects of family experiences. This includes studying family formation and dissolution, such as marriage, cohabitation, divorce, and remarriage. It also investigates parenting styles, child development within the family context, intergenerational relationships, and the impact of social and economic changes on family structures and well-being. Furthermore, perhetutkimus examines issues related to gender roles, domestic violence, family policy, and the diverse forms families can take in contemporary society, including same-sex parent families and single-parent households. Methodologies employed in perhetutkimus are equally varied, utilizing both quantitative approaches like surveys and statistical analysis, and qualitative methods such as interviews, ethnography, and case studies. The ultimate aim of perhetutkimus is to contribute to theoretical knowledge about families and to inform social policies and interventions aimed at supporting families and individuals.