On the premise that the intergenerational field lacks the conceptual framework that will enable it to continue to develop as both a discipline and a practice within the broad spectrum of human and social services, this paper offers suggestions for building a viable intergenerational theory. Topics discussed include methodology for theory construction, theory content, and the role of the practitioner in theory construction.Theory construction is at the heart of the scientific process.-Jaccard and Jacoby (2010), p. ix.There is nothing so theoretical as good practice.-Hunt (1987), p. vii While theories of the life course and of human development in various phases of the life course abound, the intergenerational field still needs its own conceptual framework to communicate its own identity and serve as a means for interacting with these and other related fields. Since intergenerational programs, practices, and university-based activities have increased tremendously, perhaps the time is now to take advantage of this growing capacity and use it to engage in some theory-building.
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