chapter 3 Flashcards
theories discussed in this text
family systems theory
social constructionism
relational dialectics
narrative
views families as a set of inter-related components where a change in one part effects every other part
family systems theory
family systems constructs
- interdependence
- wholeness
- patterns/self-regulation
- interactive complexity/ punctuation
the behavior of each family member is related to and dependent upon behavior of the others
interdependence
parts are understood in the context of the whole
wholeness
calibration
feedback
patterns/ self regulation
monitoring and correcting to maintain stability
calibration
each act triggers and responds to previous behavior, “ rendering pointless any attempt to assign cause or effect
-circular causality
interactive complexity/ punctuation
positive feedback promotes
change
negative feedback promotes
maintenance
relates to the embedded nature of human systems and how the boundaries are managed
openness
systems embedded within systems
complex systems
the end may be achieved through different means
equifinality
gender issues
individual issues
limitations of systems theory
people make sense of the world by constructing explanations through language of how it works
the construction of meaning
the construction of meaning includes
- descriptions
- explanations
- accounts
shared meanings are
co-constructed
the formation of new families begins
the negotiation process
humans act towards things on the basis of the meanings that the things have for them
symbolic interaction
the family is a _____making system
meaning
poses that family systems/member experience “tensions” between contradictory “impulses”
dialectics theory
dialectics are _____and located in the ________
interactional
context of the family
core concepts of dialectics theory
totality
contradiction
motion
praxis
wholeness and interdependence with recognition of social and cultural context
totality
family communications are informed by oppositions
contradiction
family relationships are fluid and change over time
motion
family members are active choice makers
praxis
simultaneous, conflicting desires to be independent and intimate
autonomy/ connection
simultaneous, conflicting desires of vulnerability and protection
openness/ protection
simultaneous, conflicting desires for stability and change
novelty/ predictability
favoring one desire at one time and the polar opposite at another
cyclic alternation
favoring one pole in one domain life and the polar other in another
segmentation
choosing one pole over the other
selection
fusing the poles
integration
three techniques for integration
neutralizing
reframing
disqualifying
compromising
neutralizing
transforming the dialectic so that they no longer appear to be contradictory
reframing
exempting certain issues from the general pattern
disqualifying
