The functions of multilevel engagement theory

This article presents five specific functions of the multilevel engagement theory, which include descriptive, sensitising, integrative, explanatory, and value functions. The multilevel engagement theory considers culture and diversity as central aspects to understanding and explaining family relationships and functioning in societies around the world. The author provides specific examples of the course assignments from his graduate-level course that he taught in two different semesters to demonstrate how the multilevel engagement theory contains and serves these five functions. Additionally, the author uses secondary data from a nationally representative survey to provide empirical evidence and show the application of the multilevel engagement theory. The results show that the multilevel engagement theory effectively serves five important functions by organising and classifying a phenomenon (descriptive), drawing researchers’ attention and consciousness to relevant phenomena (sensitising), integrating various pieces of information (integrative), predicting and explaining the relationship between concepts and variables (explanatory), and demonstrating its value in conducting research and describing real-life situations (value). Given the growing diversity and cultural plurality among individuals, couples, and families around the world, the multilevel engagement theory provides researchers and other audiences with an important theoretical lens to conduct research, understand relevant phenomena, and explain real-life situations.