Beyond the hammer: a critical turn for interpersonal and family communication studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT This essay reflects on the recent critical turns within interpersonal and family communication studies (IFC) and the advances of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the larger field of communication studies. The authors use a tool metaphor to argue the importance of studying IFC from a range of methodological approaches—including interpretive, cultural, and/or critical perspectives. Specifically, the authors (1) question the impulse to isolate interpersonal communication from the larger field of communication studies and (2) argue the necessity of recognizing critical approaches and/or traditions as one way of examining identities, relationships, and families. This commentary also previews the contributions of the articles featured in the themed issue “A Critical Turn for Interpersonal and Family Communication Studies.”