Strong Relationality and Ethical Responsiveness: A Framework and Conceptual Model for Family Science

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Family Theory & Review

Volume

10

Issue

1

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Publication Date

2-26-2018

First Page

199

Last Page

218

Abstract

Family scholars and practitioners rely on theories of relationships to guide our understanding and promotion of healty intimate relationships; however, assumptions about the self are often implicit and unquestioned. This article describes a strongly relational view of the self that can transform family science by accounting for partners' ethical responsiveness and dialogical way of being (I–It vs. I–Thou), concepts long understood in philosophy but largely neglected in family science. We emphasize the importance of ethical responsiveness and way of being as fundamental to both understanding and improving intimate relationships and propose a framework and conceptual model to guide both research and practice. We integrate empirical evidence with the work of Martin Buber and Emmanuel Levinas to provide an understanding of factors that may lead to meaningful and flourishing relationships. We discuss implications for empirical research and practice to advance family science.

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