Theory: an explanation; a set of logically related propositions that explain some phenomenon. In class this week, we learned about theories used when examining the family.
The first theory we learned about and the main theory I would like to focus on is the systems theory. It is when the group must be analyzed as a whole but is composed of interrelated parts or individuals. The word system means one part of something influences the next part. When applied to this particular system, it means each person within the group influence each other and work together to maintain the system. An easy way to remember the systems theory is by the saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” There are specific people who form the system and have specific rules and roles. I know that my roles in my own family is the peacemaker, as well as the family clown. Even though the system is bound by rules, of course there are people who want to test the system and break those rules. For example, parents setting a curfew for their teenager. The teenager being a teenager will most likely break that rule and stay out past curfew. This theory is probably the most used theory amongst families.
Subsystem: a self-contained system within a larger system. Within a system, there is usually always a subsystem. There could be at least one or there could be a couple dozen. It really just depends on the family. A few examples of a subsystem could be father/son, mother/daughter, mother/father, etc. In my family, I would say that I am in a subsystem with both my siblings and my parents. I am close to each one and we all share a different relationship. There are some things that I would rather go to my siblings about than my parents and vice versa. There is also something called executive subsystems, which is the leaders that make the decision. The most common executive subsystem is probably mother/father because they are the heads of the family. However, there are cases where it could be mother/son, mother/daughter or father/son, father/daughter. For example, single parents. If there is a single parent, that parent probably relies on their oldest child to help enforce rules and take care of the younger children.
The second theory is the symbolic interaction theory. This theory is when an individual is influenced and shaped by their interaction experiences. That situation could either be beneficial or have consequences. With this theory, there is always a meaning to everything. An example that we discussed in class is holding hands. It could mean something different for both people. It could mean love for one person, but nothing for the other.
The third theory we learned about is the exchange theory. Think of this theory as a balance scale. It is when an individual “weighs” the pros and cons or costs and rewards of a situation.They determine if the situation is fair, appealing, or worthwhile. We usually attempt to keep the cost lower than our rewards in interaction. Some costs could be time, money, and emotional or intellectual energy. Some rewards could be emotional or intellectual gratification, money, a sense of security, or anything that’s a satisfying outcome of a relationship.
The fourth and last theory we learned about was the conflict theory. Conflict theory is when all societies are characterized by inequality, conflict, and change as groups within the society struggle over scarce resources. There are contradictory interests, needs, and goals amongst everyone, meaning that everyone cannot be satisfied. People often struggle with each other so they usually think about oneself. For example, a tenant and their owner. A tenant and their owner could have different views of how to live that could cause conflict to the relationship.
All of these theories have common concepts and notions. You will find similarities between each of them. The theory that I enjoyed learning about the most is the systems theory because I feel like it not only applies to my own family, but most families. Which theory applies to yours?
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