The descriptive study examines The American nuclear family (parents and minor children) as a system comprised of multiple, dynamic and interdependent elements. The familial system and its individual members are frequently challenged by internal conflict. Such intrafamily conflict encompasses a range of factors. This study centers on two of the key variables: roles and power. As separate, yet interdependent variables, roles and power merit scholarly examination because of their significant impact on the family structure and the communication of its members. In effect, roles and power are mutually developed, modified and maintained through the intrafamily communication process.Utilizing the General Systems Theory (as outlined by Ruben) and Social Exchange Theory (as explicated by Thibault and Kelley), this study concluded that as individual roles change within a family, the level of conflict tends to increase. Likewise, changes in location and level of power tend to precede conflict. These tendencies toward increased conflict were reflected in a case study analysis of the commercial film, "Ordinary People." By analyzing the metamorphis of power and roles in the behavior of key characters in the film, it became apparent that conflict was a visible and substantive outcome of such changes.Based upon this study, one may conclude that General Systems Theory and Social Exchange Theory serve as viable constructs for describing and analyzing the variables of roles and power within the family structure.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182998 |
| Date | January 1984 |
| Creators | Nastasee, Angela |
| Contributors | Crouse, Janice S. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | ii, 107 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us--- |
Page generated in 0.0032 seconds