Julie’s Blog

This week I want to talk about theories. A theory is a possible explanation of a phenomenon, or something that’s explanation is in question. There are plenty of theories out there, but I would like to focus on a specific four. Those four are the systems theory, exchange theory, symbolic interaction theory, and conflict theory. As you learn about these theories, think about if you have seen them in your own family.

First, let’s talk about the systems theory. In this theory, an intimate group, such as a family, must be analyzed as a whole. The has boundaries that distinguish it from other groups. In other words, it is clear who the group is. Roles and rules play a huge part in the system theory. If the system is made up of three or more individuals, various subsystems may arise. For example, in a family with a mother, father, and multiple kids, the kids may create a subsystem within their family. Other times it may be a mother and daughter and so on.

Next, exchange theory. “You owe me” is a relevant expression in the exchange theory. In this theory, an individual attempts to keep their costs lower than their rewards. If a relationship is constantly costing an individual more than they are getting out of it, they are more likely to avoid that person or break the relationship. In the exchange theory, and individual weighs out the pros and cons of the relationship. An example of this is one person is very supportive and encouraging of their significant other. However, if the significant other does not care about that person’s endeavors, or maybe even discourages them, then that relationship is more likely to end.

The symbolic interaction theory views humans primarily as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interaction experiences. In this theory, people will have interactions and think to themselves, “That means…”. They learn and base their thoughts off of their interactions with people. Also, in the symbolic theory, when we define a situation as real, it has real consequences. For example, if a girlfriend thinks her boyfriend is cheating, that is going to be a problem, even if he was completely loyal. This can be combined with exchange theory.

The conflict theory asserts that all societies are characterized by inequality, conflict, and change, as groups within society struggle over scarce resources. This theory believes that groups have different and even contradictory interests, needs, and goals. Everyone struggles together. Pretty much, having differences in a group is inevitable. This theory focused a lot on social class and gender.

So why is all of this important? I believe that it is important to understand these theories and identify them in our family. If we can identify them, it will help us narrow done a problem and then from there, we can think of possible solutions.

Another thing that I would like to mention is feedback loops. Feedback loops are kind of like the hints that our family, or people around us, give us to either discourage or encourage our actions. For example, if a child says a bad word at home and the mother gives them a dirty look, that is a feedback loop. If the child gets an A on an assignment from school, and the father puts it on their refrigerator, or high fives the child, that is also a feedback loop. The dirty look from the mother would be a negative feedback loop, because it discourages that behavior. The high five from the father is a positive feedback loop because it encourages that behavior. These feedback loops help create rules in a family.

So, how have you seen this in your family? I’d love to hear! Leave comments below if desired!

There are quite a few unexpected trends that have been happening regarding families. A big one of those trends is that less and less people are getting married. Although no one knows the exact reason, there are theories and ideas that may explain this trend. Some might say that cohabitation, the state of living together and having a sexual relationship without being married, is replacing marriage. Others may say that dating is different and effecting marriage. Another very important trend, that I want to focus on, is how the fertility rate has been decreasing. The fertility rate is the average number of children a women would have over her lifetime if she followed the current average pattern. What causes this? How does this effect things? These are common questions that many social scientists, as well as people in general, have. Let’s look into it, shall we? One book written by Dr. Ehrlich, called the Population Bomb, had a huge influence of the way people viewed having more kids. This book talks about the “dangers” of bring more humans into this world. These are dangers such as running out of resources and ruining the Earth’s environment. It predicted that if people kept having kids, there would be a famine in the 70’s and 80’s. Because of this book, people were terrified to have kids. It is interesting, though, because most of the things that the book claims are not backed up by evidence. Another thing that may have influenced people having kids is the women’s revolution. More women went out to get higher degrees of education and began to work more. This may have contributed to women not having as many kids. One of the biggest questions people ask themselves is, was having a career and putting other things before a family and kids worth it? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but many women are discovering that a career is not as fulfilling as they’d hope it would be. The impact of being a mother may be far more important than most people realize. The importance of being married may also be far more important than most people realize. When there is a mother and a father married with children, the whole world can benefit in many aspects. From economics, to crime rates, and everything in between, the world will be affected. The amount of kids people have affect the world as well. Right after World War II, there were a lot amount of kids being born. Now, years later, all of those babies are getting ready to retire and there is not enough people to fill their positions. This is just one of many examples of how the world is effected. Being aware of these trends and how they effect the world can help us identify problems that we might face. That way, we can plan ahead of time and think of the best solution.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton