Family System Theories

With the many people around the world there is so many types of systems that people naturally categorize in. There is also so many factors that play into these systems as well. If you want to come and find out more about your own family system, here is a good place to find a start in your own research. To explain, what I am about to share, the paragraphs below are about theories. Meaning it is an attempt to explain a phenomenon, so we do not know necessarily that it will be true.

First let’s discuss System Theory. In this system not one person is insignificant in this family system. Each person contributes to the whole well-being of the family. This type of system may be found in families that might have abuse involve. For example, the woman may remain in the marriage only because of her and her child support and protect each other from the attacks of the abusive husband and father. Something that I thought about is that it might also explain why special families stick together when one of the family members is special in any sort of capability. This family works together and helps each other take care of this member of the family. I have never had the opportunity to experience this for myself, but I know it is an arduous task that takes a lot of effort and love.

Second is Exchange theory. In this system the usual discussion may be, “what’s in it for me?” People stay together only or the benefits if they do not then they leave. The individuals usually decipher out the pros and cons, the costs and rewards, of a situation. This is pretty natural reaction that most of us do on a daily basis. For example, in family life it would be decision-making, child rearing, and division of labor in the home. This may not explain too much about family systems, but it does explain a lot of the efforts that families make.

Third is Symbolic Interaction Theory. In this system what people deem to be true effect the whole and believe it is true when it may not be. This system can be highly dangerous in that it may affect relationships in a bad way. For example, take for instance, when a guy starts to believe his girlfriend is flirting with other guys, the man would start to be more overprotective causing an unstable relationship. A big emphasis that we talked about is how when a married may have some mistrust and confidence to the other partner, they may seek help from friends. If it is a friend of the opposite sex, the person may start to confide in that person more, thinking that he or she understands me more than my partner, leading to big problems like an affair. This theory can also be coincided with exchange theory.

Fourth is Conflict Theory. In this conflict system, it is revolved around power. Everyone holds a certain number of powers. Sometimes people abuse that power and it affects the way they are in the future. In some cases, if people felt like they had the lack of power as a child in their family, they tend to assert their power in their future families. Even though this system may have a bad sounding name and is viewed as a negative thing, it is not. Couples may come together to help each other. One may take the role of having the power while their partner learns and then the partner takes the dominant role.

These systems may not be necessarily the root for all family systems, but can be a way that we can further understand them.