Unit 1 Essay 2 Page 1

The assignment question:

Our textbook presents several different perspectives (theories) on the family. Compare and
contrast the theories in our textbook. Select a few of the theories that seem to elicit strong
positive or negative reactions and comment on them. What do you see as the strengths and
weaknesses of these theories? What is your favorite theory? Why? How could you use this
information to improve your own family relationships?
My answer:
I honestly thought that by taking this class I would have a lot of experience to bring to the
table, since I come from a very large family and I have one of my very own with a husband and 2
children. However to my surprise I am learning that, Thinking that experience translates to
expertise, we may find ourselves tempted to generalize from what we experience to what we
assume others must encounter in family life. (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 4) This statement not
only resonates with me but it is also very humbling. Family studies is indeed a social science
with many psychological aspects and theories and what I thought I knew doesnt really apply
because, we experience life differently. One interesting theory is the Family Ecology Theory,
families are influenced by and in turn influence the wider environment. (Strong & Cohen,
2014, p. 40) This theory is based on how we interact with our environment, how we change or
influence it and how we adapt to it, like plants. I do find this fascinating because we are all in
theory just like plants, trying to survive with the help of each other and adapt to the environment
around us such as work, home life and the different issues that surround that along with the many
relationships we have with each other. I find this theory empowering and positive, because I am
not only influenced by my environment but I can influence and change it.

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The following theory is the Symbolic Interaction Theory, looks at how people interact
with one another and how we interpret or define their meaning, gestures and actions. (Strong &
Cohen, 2014, p. 47) This theory is a lot like the Family Ecology Theory in the sense that we as
individuals are influenced by our environment but different because it is at a much deeper level.
This theory does more than focus on an individual person, it focuses on their gestures and actions
and how we learn to communicate through the language of meaning. This theory could help me
and my family to communicate with more than just meaningless words. I truly believe that a
gesture such as a kind smile, or sad eyes convey meaning at a much deeper level than words.
Being aware of these gestures can open a more positive dialogue when engaging in a conflicting
issue or a sensitive interaction.
My favorite theory however is the Structural Functionalism Theory, deeply influenced
by biology. It treats society as if it were a living organism, like a person, animal or tree. (Strong
& Cohen, 2014 p. 42) Prior to reading about this theory to me a family in general was just a
group of people bound by our genes, culture and environment. Those factors still hold true,
however there is a structure that holds this family together. We all have different roles that we
perform in order to make this living organism function and thrive. If we were all the same the
structure would fall apart and would seize to be a living organism. Our different relationships to
each other has a complex structure, its more than just DNA. The way I have my different roles
as a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, and a wife are the many roles that consist of this structure
its the branches of the trees, the roots, we need all of these parts in order to make this organism
thrive. With the help of the Symbolic Interaction Theory this living structure learns and grows
along with the Family Ecology Theory we not only adapt to our environment but we change it.
So all three theories in a sense overlap each other and help us understand the roles we play.

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Reference List
Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in
a changing society (12th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.