Family Relations

    Have you ever wondered why we are all so different? Have you stopped to consider that each of our homes is effected by the society it is surrounded by? And that each home has it's own culture and traditions? Well in the introduction to class this week I was taught that "each of our family experiences is influenced in some way by the social groups to which we belong. Some of these social groups involved social class or privilege. Others involve the unique cultures to which we belong. Each influences the family in various ways, most often unseen."     " As you consider aspects of culture, bear in mind that culture is not created, defined or maintained by skin color, language or geography. Each family has its own culture which is influenced by several factors."     In this blog entry I am going to take into c onsideration how my own family culture is influenced by my religious values and practices. I am married with a baby, however for the sake of thi...

Theories      I had the best time learning this week! All of the readings were engaging and our class discussions left me wanting more. We explored family dynamics and theories. In chapter one of  Lauer & Lauer, the term theory is defined as an explanation. More specifically it is "a set of logically related propositions that explain some phenomenon." Theories differ from fact, since it is not concretely proven. A fact provides the what and the theory provides us with the why/how explanation for what has been observed and proven. Theories are often used as guides when it comes to social research and it is very important, especially when it comes to understanding different relationships. In class, we discussed four specific types of theories: systems theory, exchange theory, symbolic interaction theory and conflict theory. I am going to dive in and discuss what they are all about! Systems Theory          In a systems theory it is important...