The Rising and Falling of Family Ties
Basically, by its definition, theories are interrelated concepts that are used to describe and explain sociological systems (issues and events) – which are integrated into the discipline of sociology. These theories are the foundation and basis of all the studies included in the discipline. They give strength and credibility to sociology. This particular paper will discuss two of the theoretical perspectives concerning families: the conflict theory and the symbolic interactionism theory which lead family ties to fall and to rise, respectively.
The conflict theory states that a body – the entire society or even just the family unit – is in constant conflict and competition for something. This theory is well expressed in terms of wealth and war; it mainly reflects the role of power and desire between people. Nevertheless, this is also seen in family relationships, reflected on issues such as divorce, domestic violence, rape, etc. One particular movie that conveys this issue is Fireproof. The movie was produced and casted by a Christian church having the purpose of showing the great disaster that commonly happens between couples nowadays. The main setting of the movie is a couple who started to have quarrels and some arguments, which gradually brought them into filing a divorce. Although the movie ended with the couple being united once again, the process was not very easy and short. If one would notice, the one and only reason for such quarrel – that which is also applicable in other family conflicts – is the conflict of desire and power. The theory explains that conflicts arise when one chooses to have his/her desire granted at the expense and suffering of the other individual. In Fireproof, this is seen when Caleb, the husband, selfishly saves his money for a boat, which none of them – whether in his wife’s immediate family of his – will ever need at all. He wanted to risk their family’s finances, which should be spent for their everyday needs and not just wants, for his own pleasure even if this would only lead to a loss.
The symbolic interactionism theory, on the other hand, that a body – whether the society of a family unit – is composed of a system of interaction among the individuals who share common or not very different characteristics and symbols, along with their meanings. This is manifested clearly in family units such as newlywed couples, parents-and-children relationship, and ties among the siblings. Take the marriage as an example. Both the man and the woman were born in different families; were brought up in different ways; and were instructed in different ways. At the very first time the couple met, they are completely two different individuals. Nevertheless, since they share a common symbol or characteristic – that is marriage, union, faithfulness, commitment, and love – they live in understanding each other and consideration of one another’s ideas, desires, concerns, etc. This theory is also depicted in the movie The Blind Side (this is even based on a true life story). An immediate family is composed of a couple and 2 children. At some point of the film, they adopted a black man, poor and hopeless in life. If one would think of it, it would be very hard for these white family members to relate to this black guy. Nevertheless, the rest of the movie shows that despite the great difference among them, they still become united as one big happy family. And that is because of the interaction theory, which suggests that there is something within a group of [different] people that [naturally] keeps each other’s bond. The theory, therefore, says that even if units of society (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) are composed of [completely] different individuals, they still share some common characteristics, personalities, goals, perspectives, etc. that somehow make them able to relate to each other in many meaningful ways – that which is healthy and good.
