Understanding Family Dynamics

Lets talk about dynamics. In an engineering standpoint, dynamics is generally in reference to how a machine moves or changes and how it works based on previous input from other parts. When discussing family dynamics, it is more or less the same idea: how a family works together with other members of the family unit. 

The difference between the two is that in engineering, there is consistent answers. There is a math equation for everything and an exact answer which can be used to develop approximations to make a machine work. Within the family, however, there is not. Families interact differently depending on multiple variables and no two people or families are the exact same. It would be impossible to generate a type of dynamic that is true for everyone, so theories have been generated to attempt to explain family dynamics.

There are four theories regarding the family dynamics and perspective. 

Systems Theory-"focus on social systems and how their interdependent parts maintain order." In other words, this theory suggests that each and ever aspect of the family influences each other part. In class, Brother Williams demonstrated this by having several students stand up and hold hands in a circle. He pushed hard on one student as we watched all the other follow, pull, and strain. As one student would move as a result the outside pressure, each other student would move as well-some more than others. I felt that this did a great job of explaining this theory to me and I really came to see how families can be affected in this way.



Exchange Theory-"views social interaction as a cost-benefit analysis in which people try to keep their costs lower than their rewards." In other words, how does this relationship benefit me? And it what ways do I have to sacrifice something in my life in order to receive the benefits? The individual weighs the pros and cons of a relationship and often times if the benefits dont outweigh the costs, people are likely to avoid the person or break off the relationship. 



Symbolic Interaction Theory-"views humans as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interaction experiences." In other words, what happens in interaction is a  result not merely of what individuals bring to it, but also of the interaction itself. One aspect of this theory is definition of the situation. If the situation is defined as real, it will have real consequences-our interpretation of the situation is just as important as anything else that is true about the situation itself. 



Conflict Theory-"focuses on contradictory interests, inequalities, and the resulting conflict and change." In other words, these groups have different interests, needs, and goals which can even be contradictory with one another and thus cause conflict. Not everyone can be satisfied because of the things that people are striving for. This theory is seen in explanations that focus on two types of groups: social class and gender.