Family Theories

Family is crucial to society. There is proven research to how a family should be set up with a mother and a father  and children. Some people have this exact structure and yet there is discord in the family. There are a few theories that I want to talk about. The first is conflict theory. This is seen so frequently in society. The conflict theory is the theory that their is a power struggle between two individuals over limited resources. It is a competition. I see this in the way that a mother and father may compete as a parent. Women are wanting to be equal and in some cases superior to men. If women feel they are inferior to men there is a struggle between the two. There needs to be a balance and cooperation as parents. Each is important and is needed. This brings me to another theory called systems theory. The family unit is a system. Each individual in that system is important and plays a part. The idea of system theory is less about individuals but more of the family collectively.
Another theory that I have become familiar with is the exchange theory. This theory considers the cost of a relationship and the benefits of it. When consider, the people in the relationship only stay when the benefits out way the costs. I don't believe people should look at their relationships like this. I believe too often people in society do. When a person becomes too hard to handle or their needs aren't being met, they just leave. Love is supposed to be unconditional and unmeasurable.  This places limits and conditions on your love. I am certain that even in the best individuals the idea of unconditional is impossible. Though it may not be plausible shouldn't it be strived for. If you look at your relationship in terms of give and take, how long will your relationship last? Our society is so focused on the self. This theory is selfish because you in time don't worry as much about what you give but what you are not receiving. Love isn't about receiving but giving oneself to another person.