Family Theories.

Simply put most families can be categorized into four different family Theories. Theses theories goes as follows, Systems Theory, Exchange Theory, Symbolic Interaction Theory and Conflict Theory. Most of these theories over lap. By finding these theories within a family we can get a basic idea of why certain families might act the way they do.

Systems theory, this theory entails how problems within a family or a member in the family is due to many causes, not just one thing. This could be explained as something happening due to circular causuality instead of linear causuality. It could also be described as the old saying goes "if mom ain't happy ain't nobody happy."  Similarly, each person within a family plays a role that the family expects them to be and when that role is changed it effects the whole family dynamic and can cause problems.

The next theory is Exchange Theory. This is what I like to think of as the economic theory. In business you want to be making more money then you spend. In relationships you want to get more out of the relationship then you put in. One needs to be careful though because if you don't balance how much you give and how much you receive someone in the relationship is likely to leave.

The third theory is the Symbolic Theory. This theory explains how each person within a family has a different perspective of things. For example sarcasm. Sarcasm is where one person sends two messages that contradict each other and the first one is a lie. Now, for some people they may not see the second messge and hence perceive wrong what the other person is trying to say. Another example is if dad came home and started yelling at the kids. Mom's view may be that he is being unkind and thoughtless. However, dad's view may be that he just got fired then came home to find the house filled with toys and toilet paper everywhere in a huge mess and kids fighting on the floor. Both the mom and the dad have very different perceptions on what is going on.

The last theory is Conflict Theory. This entails  how people within the family are constantly competing for power. They work to persuade and gain influence over one another.

By better understanding these theories we can better understand why certain people may act the way they do within a family.