Saturday, October 17, 2015

Gender Roles Within Families...

What are the differences between men and women? Why does society treat us so differently? What would the world be like if people were all equal?

This week I want to talk about how the family is getting attacked do to gender roles and how people are so consumed with defining or labeling people.

Have you ever heard about the E.B.E. (The Exotic Become Erotic) Model by Daryl Bem? Well I had not either until this past Thursday. Bem has created this chart that explains why people may think that they are attracted to the same- sex, but in reality it may simply be from other factors that happened throughout their life. (See chart below)

Biological Variables --> Child Temperament --> Child Preferences in Play- Typical vs. Atypical --> If they are typical then they see themselves as similar to their peers, however if they are atypical then they view themselves as different from peers --> Non- Specific Autonomic Arousal --> Attention is on Girls or Attention is on Boys --> Attention still on same- sex --> They view themselves as "Gay"

I really like this model because I think it helps explain a little more in depth why many may feel "different" as a child, which they then believe that they are attracted to the same- sex. This model helps me to see that as a child may different things are happening to you all at once. If you do not get the attention you are wanting from the same- sex at and early age you crave for the attention until you get it, however, the problem comes about when the other peers have moved onto the other sex and you are still wanting the attention from the same- sex.

Do you think children are miss interpreting how they are feeling because they do not know a lot about the changes they are going through? Or may be they just do not understand what is "wrong" with them even though there is nothing "wrong" with them? These are all questions that I do not know and do not claim to know, but would love to further look into them and may help children and families if they need it.

Personally, I believe that Bem is on to something and I am going to further look into his model and theory because there is some truth I believe to it.

Here is a link to further look into this model on your own if you would like. Now I know it is from Wikipedia, but I think it is a good place to start and branch off from there is you are truly interested. http://www.psychwiki.com/wiki/Bem's_Exotic_Becomes_Erotic_Theory

Be Kind to Others,
Gabby Smith

Culture Within Families...

Our families are all different because we all come from different cultures. Why do you think that culture influences our family so much? When do you think this started happening?

When we talk about Mexican Culture are we talking about true Mexican Culture or just what we think of as Mexican Culture? I have been thinking a lot about how culture differs from one person to another because of their family and their traditions/ beliefs. I think that we spend too much time worrying about other people and do not spend enough time worrying about our own families.

We discussed in my class this week the idea about Coming to America. Now although I do not know much about this and have not been through this process personally, I could only imagine it being painful. We talked about how the expectations that people have coming to America, the cost, and the time it take to get here. I just want to know... Is it worth it? I have to believe it is only because people spend a lot of money, time away from their families, and make personal sacrifices to come here.

The main point about this journey that intrigues me is how the family functions once the family changes. Parents are no longer together, children are getting jobs, and the family relies on the extended family more. However, when they are all together again you can tell there are major changes happening. The parents are not united and the extended family now plays a bigger role and intend because they filled a void that the family had.

This process sounds painful because of the negative effect it has on the family... I just have to know is it worth it? How do you see your culture effecting your own family?

Be Kind to Others,
Gabby Smith

Theories In Family...

There are many different theories when it comes to the family and how it works, however, in my blog post today I have to discuss four that are fairly common and used by many to explain different aspects.

The first theory is Conflict Theory, which clearly means that when there are less resources to share or have there are more problems within families. For instance when a father loses his job there are many problems that will come about. It could be that the parents have to cut back on their spending habits and that some extra activities will have to go to pay for bills. These lack of resources and sacrifices will cause conflicts between family members.

The next theory is Exchange Theory, which basically means that we have a give and take relationship. It is well balanced and each person's needs are being met. No one person is doing more than the other and this particular relationship may have more depth to it that others because they understand the needs and wants of the other person.

The Family Systems Theory means that what we create together as a family is greater than what we create individually. Think about your own family... Do you think you would be better with them or without them? Would your life still work if they did not play their particular role in your own life? This theory proves that family members have their own role within a family and when they want to change or break from this role adjustments may be needed because there is true value in each role that is given.

The last theory is Symbolic- Interaction Theory, which means that every interaction or behavior represents or symbolizes something about the relationship. This is self explanatory, but an example could be when two people kiss when they first see each other are mostly likely dating or are seeing one another. The kiss symbolizes them being together.

I hope these theories opened up your eyes a little more to how complex and in depth families can be. There is no one theory to explain families because each family is different and functions differently. Please ponder about your family and think about what roles certain people play within the home.

Be Kind to Others,
Gabby Smith