Combined comparative reserach in the field of family relations: some reflections from the legal perspective

Whether, to what extent and how is it possible and necessary to combine comparative legal research in family law with comparative research in other disciplines, such as sociology, psychology or economics? This question is becoming increasingly important also as regards family relations. However, a discussion of the reason for comparative research, functionality, comparability, the accessibility of data, the selection and classification of cases or jurisdictions, the explanation, assessment and evaluation has not yet taken place on a large scale. This contribution makes an attempt to specify the various challenges and opportunities of combined comparative research. Two new terms have been coined: synchronized comparative research and restricted comparative research. Which methodological rules might thereby be taken into account has been indicated. It is meant to encourage further thinking about combined comparative research.