Theoretical Frameworks OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY--- WILL PAY $15

1. Systems Theory - A variety of theories fall under the general heading of systems theory, but all share certain assumptions.p.20

2. As applied to intimate relationships, systems theory asserts that the intimate group must be analyzed as a whole; the group has boundaries that distinguish it from other groups.p.20

3. Furthermore, the group is composed of interrelated parts (individuals).p.20

4. (individuals). That is, the parts are not independent but influence each other and work together in such a way that the system tends to be maintained; outsidep.20

5. influences generally cause minimal change.p.21

6. Family therapists use systems theory. Among the well-known theories of family therapists is that of Murray Bowen (1978), who built his theory on the premise that humans respond primarily at the emo-tional rather than the cognitive level (Crosby 1991). In this theory, two tasks are important for healthy devel-opment. The first is to develop our cognitive function-ing so that our behavior is not driven mainly by our emotions. The second is to develop our individuality so that we have separate identities from our family of origin even while remaining members of that familyp.21

1. Exchange Theory “You owe me one” is a popular expression of exchange theory, which asserts that we all attempt to keep our costs lower than our rewards in interaction (Nye 1988). Costs refer to such things as time, money, emotional or intellectual energy, or anything else that an individual defines as part of his or her investment in a relationship.p.21

2. If a relationship consistently costs us more than it rewards us, we are likely to avoid the person or break the relationship.p.21

3. Exchange theory posits a rational assessment of a situation. The individual weighs the pros and cons, the costs and rewards, of a situation. He or she tries to determine if the situation is fair or appealing or worth-while.p.21

1. Symbolic Interaction Theory

2. Symbolic interaction theory views humans primarily as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interaction experiences (Lauer and Handel 1983). That is, what happens in interaction is a result not merely of what individuals bring to it but also of the interaction itself. Like systems theorists, symbolic inter-actionists believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Thus, a young woman who has determined to devote herself to a career rather than marry may find herself changing her mind as she interacts with a par-ticular man.p.21

3. An important concept in symbolic interactionism is definition of the situation. According to this concept, when we define a situation as real, it has real conse-quences.p.21

4. For example, a man may be very jealous of his girlfriend because he believes she is flirting with other men. In point of fact, she may be completely faithful to her boyfriend. But if he perceives her to be flirting, there will be real—and perhaps damaging—consequences to the relationship.p.21

1. Conflict Theory Conflict theory asserts that all societies are character-ized by inequality, conflict, and change as groups within the society struggle over scarce resources. These groups have differing and even contradictory interests, needs, and goals.p.22

2. In family studies, conflict theory is seen in explana-tions that focus on two types of groups: social class and gender.p.22

3. Conflict theory also is used to explain gender dif-ferences. Feminists argue that the traditional family is a patriarchal arrangement that men use to maintain their power over women. Some believe that men have an inherent advantage in the power struggle because they possess more of a crucial resource—money. Typically, men have brought more money than women have into the household, thereby establishing their power over women and having the final say in any decisions that matter to them.p.22

The point is, the theories alert you to look for certain things in intimate relationships and to understand them in particular ways. For example, understanding of a theory may prompt you to ask, “What was the family system in which my partner grew up and how can my knowledge of that help me in our relationship?” (systems theory); “Is our relationship less satisfying because one of us feels that it costs more than it’s worth?” (exchange theory); “Is money an issue with us because we define its use and importance differently rather than because one of us is right and the other is wrong?” (symbolic interactionism); and “Are we arguing so long and hard because we are engaged in a power struggle rather than in a conflict over a single issue?” (conflict theory).p.22

REFERENCE IS THE BOOK! I DID NOT REMEMBER WHAT ALL YOU NEED TO CITE THIS BOOK

1. Robert H. Lauer Jeanette C. Lauer Alliant International University, San Diegop.iii

2. MARRIAGE & FAMILY: THE QUEST FOR INTIMACY, EIGHTH EDITIONPublished by McGraw-Hill, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2012 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Previous editions © 2009, 2007 and 2004. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning.Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the United States.This book is printed on acid-free paper. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 DOW/DOW 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN 978-0-07-811162-4MHID 0-07-811162-5 Vice President & Editor-in-Chief: Michael Ryan Vice President & Director of Specialized Publishing: J anic e M. Roerig-Blong Executive Editor: Gina Boedeker Sponsoring Editor: Jessica Cannavo Director of Marketing & Sales: Jennifer J. Lewis Project Manager: Robin A. Reed Design Coordinator: Mar garite Reynolds Cover Designer: Studio Montage, St. Louis, Missouri Cover Image: © BananaStock/age fotostock Buyer: Sand y Ludovissy Media Project Manager: Sridevi Palani Compositor: Laserwords Private Limited Typeface: 10/12 Minion Printer: R. R. Donnelley All credits appearing on page or at the end of the book are considered to be an extension of the copyright page. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lauer, Robert H. Marriage & family : the quest for intimacy / Robert H. Lauer, Jeanette C. Lauer. — 8th ed. p. cm. Rev. ed. of: Marriage and family : the quest for intimacy. 7th ed. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-07-811162-4 (alk. paper) 1. Marriage—United States. 2. Families—United States. I. Lauer, Jeanette C. II. Lauer, Robert H. Marriage and family. III. Title. IV. Title: Marriage and family. HQ536.L39 2012 306.810973—dc22p.iv