In this episode of The Psychology Undergrad, we critically examine why “the family” is not a neutral or scientifically adequate concept. Drawing on Bernardo’s call for a new family studies framework, we unpack three core ideas: rejecting idealized images of family, studying real everyday family practices, and recognizing the social harm caused by ideologically driven research. We explore how traditional family language hides power, reinforces gender roles, and erases diverse family pathways. The takeaway is uncomfortable but essential for psychology students: the words we use to describe families shape what we see, what we ignore, and whose suffering remains invisible

#psychology
#familystudies
#sociology
#criticaltheory
#socialpsychology
#genderroles
#powerandideology
#relationships
#researc ...