Author Identifier
Francesca Robertson: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9043-386X
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
David Coall
Second Supervisor
Dan McAullay
Abstract
This research uses qualitative multimodal methods to draw together recent discoveries and ideas from multiple appropriate scientific, humanities and hermeneutic discourses to construct a narrative of the evolution of the human family. The research identifies seven behaviours concerning gender relations, inbreeding prevention, symbolic expression, kinship, governance, knowledge accretion and response to childhood and children which, when integrated, constitute the dynamics and structure of family. These seven behaviours can be expressed and integrated in different ways, resulting in different family systems or constellation known in this work as hunter-gatherer, clan, dynastic (elite and subordinate) and nuclear. These behaviours are used as markers when tracking the evolution of the family. The research also explores mechanisms of change and stasis within and between family systems and finds both are triggered by one or a combination of responses to climate change, local ecology and by human agency.
The first chapter of the thesis introduces the nature of the work. Chapter 2 describes the background to the research, exploring key concepts such as evolution and family. It also describes the perceived need for this research. Chapter 3 describes the different lens through which the family can be viewed and establishes the lens used in this project. Chapter 4 is a description of the methodology. Chapter 5 explores the earliest adaptive functions of the seven behaviours in the hunter-gatherer family following a comprehensive review of evolution, searching for what contributed to the need for, and capacity to meet each behaviour. Chapter 6 explores how the clan family system evolved and tracks its demise. Chapter 7 explores the evolution of the dynastic family system and is particularly concerned with the subordinate family system. Chapter 8 concerns the evolution of the nuclear family system and considers its ongoing presence in Australia. Chapter 9 discusses the results from a thematic perspective and considers what can be interpreted from the narrative. Chapter 10 suggests a conceptual framework by which the contemporary family can be discussed. This provides a basis for discussion on what theory of family needs to underpin law and social policy that impacts family life.
The research concludes that the hunter-gatherer family system particularly as exemplified by moort is the most successful family having enabled the thriving of humanity in almost all contexts on the globe over many millennia; and, when not shaped by the state or religion, the family will construct itself in a way that best positions itself for long term survival.
WARNING: This thesis contains reference to family violence
DOI
10.25958/1a25-6s26
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 3rd September 2030
Recommended Citation
Robertson, F. (2025). Evolution of the human family. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/1a25-6s26