Family Theories

Have you ever heard of a family theory? I can tell you I definitely hadn't until this week. So incase you are wondering, I'll explain a little more about a few different family theories.

1) Conflict theory- This theory (to put is simply) is the idea that individuals in a family are viewing things as a competition and ultimately want to be right to have a greater ability to influence others. I like to think of this as the time when me and my brothers got in a disagreement over whether or not my high school or their high school was better. Ultimately, we were having the conversation only because we are competitive with each other.... things like that happen when you got to rival high schools. :)

2)Symbolic interaction- This family theory suggests that each individual has a different perceived meaning of an action or situation. Have you ever seen the movie Hitch? My fiancé and I were watching it the other day and I realized that Hitch's first day when he goes to the museum with his future girlfriend is a perfect example of symbolic interaction....He sets up this really thoughtful date, takes her on the lake, and then he set it up so that one of her ancestor's names would be visible in the record book... really cute right?? Well it is, but because of the story and perception that the girl had to go along with that ancestors name it brought her to tears. Hitch's perception was that he was doing something great, while the girl's perception was one of disgust. Luckily it all worked out in the end for them!

3)The Exchange theory- We all know this one! It's hoping that the costs will be lower than the benefits. We have all experienced this when we have gotten into a new relationship. We consider the relationship and decide if the costs will be greater or less than the benefits and based on what we think we choose to either keep the relationship or let the person go.

To learn more about family theories, or to find more check out the blogs of some of my classmates under the fellow blogger section!

-Lacey