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Using sociological theory to problematize family business research

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  • Kushins, Eric R.
  • Behounek, Elaina

Abstract

This article critiques several taken-for-granted assumptions in family business research. We recommend the use of sociological theories to problematize the phenomenon of family business and to push beyond dichotomies in the field. To begin, we complicate the very definition of family—implicitly defined in most family business research as a heterosexual, conjugal family—by discussing socio-legal, socio-biological, and role-based ways of defining “families.” Next, we suggest critical ways to research value and worth beyond the financial wealth-socioemotional wealth (SEW) trade-off, by considering major themes in the sociology of value and evaluation (SVE), including: the intergenerational transmission of various forms of capital, conflict over equivalent systems of accounts, and the blending of the intimate and the economic. The groundwork presented here through a focus on the family, provides important theoretically complex questions to help launch transformative research to move the field of family business forward.

Suggested Citation

  • Kushins, Eric R. & Behounek, Elaina, 2020. "Using sociological theory to problematize family business research," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 11(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:fambus:v:11:y:2020:i:1:s1877858518301840
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfbs.2020.100337
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    2. Isabell K. Stamm & Fabian Bernhard & Nicole Hameister & Kristel Miller, 2023. "Lessons from family firms: the use of flexible work arrangements and its consequences," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 175-208, January.
    3. Temprano-García, Víctor & Pérez-Fernández, Hector & Rodríguez-Pinto, Javier & Rodríguez-Escudero, Ana Isabel & Barros-Contreras, Ismael, 2023. "How to build a brand-oriented family firm: The impact of socioemotional wealth (SEW) dimensions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    4. Stewart, Alex, 2020. "Family control, ambivalence, and preferential benefits," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 11(4).
    5. Craig, Justin B. & Newbert, Scott L., 2022. "Exploring the future of family enterprise research through a social science lens," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 13(2).
    6. Aldrich, Howard E. & Brumana, Mara & Campopiano, Giovanna & Minola, Tommaso, 2021. "Embedded but not asleep: Entrepreneurship and family business research in the 21st century," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 12(1).
    7. Moreno-Menéndez, Ana M. & Casillas, José C., 2021. "How do family businesses grow? Differences in growth patterns between family and non-family firms," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 12(3).
    8. Shynar Issabayeva & Bayan Smagambet & Igor Barkhatov & Igor Okhrimenko, 2024. "A Sociological Portrait of a Family Business in Post-Soviet Economies: Challenges from the Market, Government, and Society, as well as Interaction with These Institutions in the Context of Digital Gov," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 161-181, March.

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