FAMILY RESOURCE

THEORIES

BY: OMAATLA GOITSEONE

 KEY OBJECTIVES
• Define a theory
• Define a family
• Explain the functions of a family
• Discuss the selected family theories by stating their focus and giving their
strengths and weaknesses
 INTRODUCTION
• A theory can be defined as a set of principles or ideas that explain a
particular phenomenon or behavior. In the context of family studies, a
theory can help us understand the dynamics and functions of a family unit.
 FAMILY
• A family is a fundamental social unit that plays a crucial role in the
development and well-being of individuals. According to the sociologist
George Murdock, a family is defined as a social group characterized by
common residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction. Families can
take various forms, including nuclear families, extended families, single-
parent families, and blended families.
 FUNCTIONS OF A FAMILY
• One of the primary functions of a family is to provide emotional support and
nurture to its members. This includes offering love, care, and guidance to
children, as well as providing a sense of belonging and security to all family
members.
• Families also serve as a socialization agent, teaching children the values, norms,
and behaviors that are important in their culture.
• Another important function of a family is to provide economic support and
resources to its members. This includes providing food, shelter, clothing, and
other basic necessities, as well as financial support and assistance when needed.
 FUNCTIONS OF A FAMILY
• In addition, families play a crucial role in the transmission of cultural and
societal values from one generation to the next. They help to preserve
traditions, customs, and beliefs that are important to the family and the
larger community.
• Families also serve as a source of identity and belonging, helping
individuals to understand who they are and where they come from.
• Families also serve as a source of social support, offering companionship,
friendship, and a sense of community to their members.
FAMILY THEORIES
 FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY
• Family Systems Theory, developed by Murray Bowen, focuses on the
interconnectedness and interdependence of family members.
• This theory views the family as a system in which each member plays a
specific role and contributes to the overall functioning of the family unit.
 FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY
STRENGTHS
• One of the strengths of Family
Systems Theory is its emphasis on
the importance of understanding
the family as a whole, rather than
focusing solely on individual
members.
WEAKNESSES
• A weakness of this theory is that it
may oversimplify the
complexities of family dynamics
and interactions.
 SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
• Social Exchange Theory, proposed by George Homans and Peter Blau,
focuses on the idea that individuals engage in relationships based on the
expectation of rewards and costs.
• This theory suggests that individuals make rational decisions about their
relationships by weighing the benefits and drawbacks.
 SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
STRENGTHS
• A strength of Social Exchange
Theory is its emphasis on the
importance of reciprocity and
fairness in relationships.
WEAKNESSES
• A weakness of this theory is that it
may overlook the emotional and
relational aspects of family
interactions.
 SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONALISM
• Symbolic Interactionalism, developed by George Herbert Mead, focuses
on the ways in which individuals create and interpret symbols in their
interactions with others.
• This theory emphasizes the importance of communication, language, and
shared meanings in shaping family relationships.
 SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONALISM
STRENGTHS
• A strength of Symbolic
Interactionalism is its focus on the
subjective experiences and
interpretations of individuals
within the family.
WEAKNESSES
• A weakness of this theory is that it
may not fully account for the
structural and systemic factors
that influence family dynamics.
 CONFLICT THEORY
• Conflict Theory, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, focuses
on the idea that society is characterized by inequality and conflict between
different social groups.
• This theory suggests that families are not immune to these power
dynamics and may experience conflict based on issues such as class,
gender, and race
 CONFLICT THEORY
STRENGTHS
• One of the strengths is its
emphasis on the role of power and
inequality in shaping family
relationships.
WEAKNESSES
• The weakness of this theory is that
it may overlook the ways in which
families can also be sources of
support and resilience.
 FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE
• The Feminist perspective on families focuses on the ways in which gender
roles and power dynamics influence family relationships.
• This perspective highlights the importance of challenging traditional
gender norms and promoting equality within families.
 FERMINIST PERSPECTIVE
STRENGTHS
• A strength of the Feminist
perspective is its emphasis on
social justice and empowerment
for marginalized groups within
families.
WEAKNESSES
• A weakness of this perspective is
that it may not fully account for
the diversity of family structures
and experiences.
 FAMILY ECOLOGICAL THEORY
• Family ecological theory, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, focuses on
the ways in which families are influenced by their social, economic, and
environmental contexts.
• This theory emphasizes the importance of understanding families within
their broader ecological systems, including the community, society, and
culture.
 FAMILY ECOLOGICAL THEORY

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• It is uses a holistic approach to • It overlooks the individual agency
understand family dynamics. and autonomy of family members.
FAMILY STRENGTHS FRAMEWORK
• Family Strengths Framework, developed by John DeFrain and Nick
Stinnett, focuses on identifying and building upon the strengths and
resources within families.
• This framework emphasizes the importance of resilience, communication,
and support in promoting healthy family functioning.
FAMILY STRENGHTHS FRAMEWORK
STRENGTHS
• A strength of the Family Strengths
Framework is its positive and
empowering approach to
understanding families.
WEAKNESSES
• A weakness of this framework is
that it may not fully address the
challenges and conflicts that
families may face.
 FAMILY DEVELOPMENT THEORY
• Family Development Theory, proposed by Reuben Hill, focuses on the
ways in which families change and evolve over time.
• This theory suggests that families go through predictable stages of
development, including formation, expansion, contraction, and
dissolution.
 FAMILY DEVELOPMENT THEORY
STRENGTHS
• A strength of Family
Development Theory is its
emphasis on the dynamic nature
of family relationships.
WEAKNESSES
• A weakness of this theory is that it
may oversimplify the
complexities of family transitions
and adaptations.
 CONCLUSION
• In conclusion, theories can help us understand the functions and dynamics
of families, which are essential social institutions that play a crucial role
in the well-being and development of individuals. Each theory has its own
focus, strengths, and weaknesses in explaining family dynamics. By
considering these theories in conjunction with one another, researchers
can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of
family relationships and interactions.
 REFERENCES
Murdock, G. (1949). Social structure. New York: The Free Press.
Smith, J. (2019). Theories of Family: An Overview. Journal of Family
Studies, 15(2), 123-136.
Jones, A. (2018). The Functions of Family: A Comprehensive Analysis.
Family Dynamics Quarterly, 25(4), 345-359.