Family Theories

We learn about family life through our own experiences. With family theories we can understand why things happen in our family. Theories are “logically related propositions that explain some phenomenon” (Lauer and Lauer, (20). They can help us predict and explain events. Family theories may help us understand specific experiences within the family and to august for future events. Family theories consider the interrelatedness of factors, including the influence of one member’s behavior upon another. They offer explanations for what might otherwise seem like mysterious patterns of behavior, even when those behaviors seem counter intuitive. Theories are not truths, but they can be very helpful in our study of the family. 

                The first theory I would like to talk about is systems theory. Systems theory asserts that the intimate group must be analyzed as a whole; the group has boundaries that distinguish it from other groups. People form the system and have roles that apply to their system.  In my family we have rules and roles that apply and work for our family. For example, we all respect each other; because we respect each other we get along way better. That helps with our family because we all get alone and there aren’t very many problems in the family. The sprit is in our home when we are all happy and getting along. We do things that help keep things in the family run smooth. We like to spend time with each other. I have turned down plans with friends because I would rather be with my family. This might not be the same case in other families. Some families may get alone better after they have spent time apart. So, use this theory and find what works best for your family.  

                The next theory is symbolic interaction. Symbolic interaction theory views humans primarily as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interaction experiences. That is, what happens in interaction is a result not merely of what individuals bring to it also of the interaction itself. How you interact with family determines how your family gets along. How your family gets along determines if the spirt can dwell in your home.  How interacting with other people can tell them how you act at home. Interacting with other people can influence how you act at home. It is a theory that can only really be noticed if you pay attention to how you act when you interact with family and how you interact with people outside of your family. In my home I acted different then when I interact with friends. I acted the same at home when I’m with a new group of people. Your family can influence how act around people and your friends can influence how you act around people. Interactions with people can really affect how you act. If you have a happy home and interaction is good with your family, you will have good interaction with everyone.  

                Family theories can help you understand your family better.  They can help you understand why things happen in your family. They can help us predict and explain events. Family theories may help us understand specific experiences within the family and to august for future events. Remember, no family is the same. Not everything will work for every family. I got the information on theories from the book called Lauer and Lauer. It has great insight in all thing’s family more on the scientific side. Thanks for reading, see you in the next one. Bye!