Community Social Organization and Military Families: Theoretical Perspectives on Transitions, Contexts, and Resilience. Issue 3 (10th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mancini, Jay A.; O'Neal, Catherine Walker; Martin, James A.; Bowen, Gary L.
• Other Names: Totenhagen Casey J. guestEditor.; Albright David L. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of family theory & review. Volume 10:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 550
• Page End: 565
• Publication Date: 2018-05-10
• Subjects: Community -- family stress -- military families -- resilience; Families -- Periodicals; Families -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; 306.8505
• DOI: 10.1111/jftr.12271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-2570

Abstract

Abstract: The social organization theory of action and change accounts for transitions families face in community contexts. This perspective aligns with family stress and resilience theories, including the contextual model of family stress. Our discussion focuses on transitions of military families, including the continually changing nature of military family life. The military environment provides an opportunity for understanding family vulnerability and resilience from a community perspective, in effect, a perspective centered on contexts. Contexts include matters that families have control over and those they are unable to affect. The roles of shared responsibility and collective competence in moving families and communities forward are discussed, as are pivotal roles of informal networks and formal systems. Findings that align with this theorizing include influence of the military system and culture on families, as well as how sense of community emerges as a pivotal factor for family well‐being.