Types of family dynamics

I had the opportunity to learn about different kind of family interactions that help us become the person we are today. As I have mentioned in my other posts, family is essential part of our lives because they help us learn and gain experiences, they take care of us, and when we have no one else on a certain point, family will always be there to support us. 

 

To start off, there are four main family theories that help us analyze our own family and see how these influences affect our life. There is Family System Theory which means family members interact and influences each other’s behavior. For example, a family may form a system that have particular rules or roles that the members come acquainted. Along with the emotional and cognitive development, we should strengthen our individuality and our relationship with our peers. 

 

Next, Exchange Theory means our costs and rewards in interaction with others. Costs means the investment we put on that relationship such as time, energy, and money. Whereas rewards mean the emotional and sense of security that makes us feel satisfied within the relationship. Throughout our lifespan we will always look out for the pros and cons in a relationship. It doesn’t always have to be a romantic partner, but every other relationship we consider that will benefit our life and the other person. It is negotiating certain decisions within our family life as well such as chores, dividing work hours, childcare, and hobbies.

 

Symbolic Interaction Theory is the definition of the situation. For instance, two people may be living the same experience but may obtain a different message than the other. A couple are hanging out with friends, but one feels like their partner isn’t paying too much attention to them while the other is totally aware of their partner. If they don’t communicate, this can cause serious problems in their relationship. 

 

Finally, Conflict Theory means having conflict differences about goals, interests, and needs. It can also be contradicting when a family member has goals that they want to strive for, but it cannot be met by the other members. Unfortunately, conflict theory can also be met by social classes because the less resources someone has, the less is able to meet the needs and goals they have. Although, conflict can rise up when there is inequality, misunderstandings, stress, etc. 

 

In my experience, I have totally seen these different theories play a role in my family. An example of Family System Theory is that I grew up in a family where there was a system that we always had to be together and help one another. My parents build a foundation of responsibility, order, love, and manage to spend time with me and my brother. An example of Exchange Theory is when my mom would assign us chores and sometimes, I wouldn’t want to do it. But in an exchange, she would reward me a thank you and a kiss. It made me feel satisfied that I could help my parents out while they were busy with work. Symbolic Interaction played a role when my brother had the “freedom” to do more things than me such as going out and coming home later at night. My brother and I are five years apart. So, while he was in his teens and I was just in my preteens I felt conflicted that my parents were giving him more privileges than me. Whereas in reality, my parents were only managing what was best for us according to our age and experience. I saw Conflict Theory when a certain time my parents had economic stress and were worried about how to support us. However, they were able to discuss it and come up with an action plan by working harder and saving up money. Family theories are important to have in our life because it helps us define who we are and the lessons we learn. I definitely know that I will take some interactions that I learned in my family and teach my future family. 

What kind of family system theories have you seen in your family?