Week 2: Theories
Theories
Systems Theory
In a systems theory it is important to know that each part of the system influences the whole. The phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts," is used to describe it. What does that mean in families? Each family is a system that is then broken up into subsystem. Each of the people in this system has a particular role and rules that they follow. They all work together and influence each other so that the system can be supported. Subsystems within a family system would be mom and dad, parent and child, or child and child. Systems theory is often used by family therapists to help develop healthy homes. Two tasks are required to do that, they are to build cognitive functioning so that we can control our behavior rather than be reactive to solely by our emotions and the second is to develop individuality. Individuality is essential to help family members develop personal identities, apart from the family while still being a part of it. Does that make sense? I know in my family why it would make sense to build these up! It is so easy to lose ourselves in the function of the family... to start to become like all the others. Having a sense of individuality helps us to create new traditions when we form our own families, it helps us to recognize what makes us happy and what doesn't and keeps us alive inside. Whereas building our cognitive functioning is necessary to help us take control of the way we act. I know in my life, it seems like it is so easy to get mad at my family members and act out, when with any friend or acquaintance I would NEVER dream of doing that. To have a healthy system and home we need to learn to behave cognitively not just emotionally.
Exchange Theory
On to the next theory! Exchange theory is what it sounds like. It deals with the idea of give and take or getting out of the relationship at least as much as we are putting in. In exchange theory, we can asses the relationship by weighing pros and cons-- we are then able to decide if it is appealing and worth our time. I can speak for a lot of us by saying that we have been there! In choosing who we date and marry... in choosing a career and in hiring employees. In family life it is often shown in "decision making, child rearing and division of labor in the home." We can understand a lot about how a family functions and the dynamics of each subsystem relationship. by exchange theory.
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Now this is one of my favorites that I have been learning about. Symbolic interaction theory suggests that everything we do is not just practical, it is symbolic. We can use the example of a recently married couple walking down the street. The wife recognizes an old friend walking towards them. She points him out and is eager to say hello. She smiles and gives him a hug and says, "it was great seeing you!" The couple then carries on their walk. The wife in this situation was just saying hello to an old friend. However, in her husbands mind there are an hundred and one red flags and questions flying. Why was she so excited to see him? What's going on with all the smiling? A hug?! Is she interested in him? Does he make her happier than I do? Did they ever date? Who is that guy?
I know this is a silly example, but it illustrates the idea. When someone smiles at us, we don't know why they did it or what it means, we just interpret it and add our own reasoning. Just like the husband in the story. He saw something and added his own interpretation to it and attached symbolic meaning.
What is important in symbolic interaction theory is being able to recognize what the situation is versus what we believe the situation to be. In family dynamics it causes a lot of communication and trust issues. It is important for the people in the relationship have a similar understanding of each situation, to avoid misunderstandings and create clear communication.
Conflict Theory
Last but not least! This was an interesting theory to explore. One that makes total sense and one that I didn't recognize growing up. Conflict theory suggest that there is conflict at all times. Initially after hearing that, my defenses went up! I felt attacked. How could they suggest that in MY "perfect" little family we are constantly in conflict. Shortly after those self righteous thoughts flooded my mind, I learned that conflict is unavoidable but contention is a choice. Conflict exists in the form competition and differing opinions whereas contention is "striving against opposition." Let's dig a little deeper to understand a little bit better here. There is competition all around us. We are constantly competing for time, money, family, work, education, etc. We have to weigh our options to then choose one. We have different minds filled with different interests and differing opinions, and often times we need to learn to compromise. This is why conflict exists at all times in relationships. Have any of you ever struggled with what to do for the holidays? Which in-laws will you be staying with? Those are common conflicts that families deal with. There will be inequality, one family won't spend as much time with you as they'd like but ultimately the struggle exists and a choice must be made.
When we look at family studies there are two types of groups; they are the social class and gender. As we explore social classes- people with similar levels of income, education, and life styles-- we learn about the options available to each class. The higher the class the more resources they have available to them and the more conflict in choices they have which can be an advantage, but it is also weighed against those of lower classes and their advantages and disadvantages. This theory is also used to explain gender differences and the idea of power in the home. Power is the ability to influence another. These influences that are studied include who makes the money. brute force, ability to convince/persuasion, manipulation, etc. It gives us greater insight into power struggles among different genders and how it effects the home.
Conclusion
I hope you found these relatable and just as interesting as I did! Family life is so dynamic and each family is different. These theories help us to understand a little bit better why we are the way we are. I love learning how social scientists conduct their research. I hope you did as well.
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