This paper takes a step toward the construction of a general social theory. As the author points out, such a theory must deal with the interplay of social organizations, social movements and social institutions, and the interaction between them and individuals. The author hints that a theory of choice and exchange may some day meet these requirements. He sees choice and exchange theory as a useful framework into which many present research findings may be integrated. In this paper, he applies it to family situations, and demonstrates that it can provide a basis for deducing testable hypotheses concerning the behavior of families. He also shows that it can address issues at the macro level, and be used to derive research hypotheses to test broad theoretical propositions. (Author/BP)