Family Relations Assignment Read Balswick Fourth Edition

Assignment 6rel3851e1 Family Relationsread Balswick Fourth Edition

Read Balswick, Fourth Edition, Part 6 (chapters 15-18) and answer the following questions. Single space acceptable, but leave a space between questions.

Describe the difference between authority and dominance. Describe the difference between orchestrative power and implementive power. Summarize the four models of family power discussed by the authors. The authors point out that Jesus Christ and Karl Marx had a certain commonality in their teaching. Explain that. Summarize the ideal balance of power in a family. What kinds of events bring stress to families? What is most stressful and why? What resources help families deal with stress? Discuss the essence of “coping” with family stress. Summarize five stages of problem solving. How do catastrophes differ from other stress-causing events? What are four ways family members might share the burden of pain? How can Christian faith potentially help a family through crises? What do the authors say about extremes? Discuss the numerous causes of divorce. Describe and explain the typical four-stage sequence of divorce. What effect does divorce have on children? What challenges are faced in a single-parent family? What are the challenges faced by a reconstituted family? What is a “binuclear” family, and what strategy might help bring success?

Paper For Above instruction

Family relations are inherently complex, often governed by various forms of power, stress, and interpersonal dynamics. Understanding the distinctions between authority and dominance, as well as different types of power, provides insight into family functioning. Authority refers to a legitimate right to make decisions and influence others within a family, often based on position or role, such as parental authority. Dominance, by contrast, implies control or influence through force, coercion, or manipulation, usually lacking legitimacy (Hogg & Vaughan, 2019). Recognizing these distinctions helps in fostering healthy family relationships where influence is exercised with respect rather than force.

Similarly, the distinction between orchestrative and implementive power is fundamental. Orchestrative power involves shaping the overall direction and harmony of family life—setting goals and establishing shared values. Implementive power, meanwhile, pertains to executing specific tasks or decisions necessary to realize family goals (Miller & Ryan, 2020). Effective families balance these powers, with leaders guiding overall harmony and members collaboratively carrying out day-to-day responsibilities.

The authors present four models of family power: the consensual, the accommodative, the authoritative, and the pluralistic models. The consensual model emphasizes shared decision-making with mutual agreement; the accommodative model involves one partner yielding to the other's preferences; the authoritative model balances shared authority with leadership; and the pluralistic model recognizes competing influences within the family unit (Balswick et al., 2017). These models demonstrate variations in how power is distributed and exercised within families, affecting communication and cohesion.

Interestingly, the authors compare the teachings of Jesus Christ and Karl Marx as sharing a commonality—the emphasis on justice and the redistribution of resources and power. Jesus’ teachings promote humility and service, advocating for the marginalized, while Marx’s revolutionary ideas focus on addressing inequalities and promoting fairness in societal structures (Balswick et al., 2017). Both challenge prevailing authority structures, emphasizing the importance of equity and compassion in relationships, including within families.

The ideal balance of power in a family involves mutual respect, shared authority, and appropriate leadership that fosters cohesion and individual growth (Balswick et al., 2017). Excessive authority can lead to authoritarianism, while too little can cause chaos. An equitable balance ensures that each member’s needs and voices are considered, contributing to a healthy family environment.

Various events can bring stress to families, including financial difficulties, health issues, relational conflicts, and external pressures like employment loss (Lee et al., 2019). Among these, financial strain is often most stressful because it affects overall stability and creates ongoing tension. External crises, such as natural disasters or accidents, also induce significant stress, sometimes leading to long-term trauma.

Families utilize numerous resources to manage stress, including social support networks, religious faith, counseling services, and effective communication skills (Thompson & Fowers, 2020). Faith, particularly Christian belief, offers hope and a sense of divine care, which can bolster resilience during crises.

The essence of “coping” with family stress involves adaptive strategies such as problem-focused coping—actively addressing stressors—and emotion-focused coping—managing emotional responses (Taylor, 2018). Successful coping often requires combining these strategies, along with seeking social support and maintaining spiritual faith.

Problem solving in stressful situations generally involves five stages: identifying the problem, generating possible solutions, evaluating options, implementing chosen solutions, and reviewing outcomes (Nezu et al., 2019). Effective problem solving fosters resilience and empowers families to navigate crises.

Catastrophes differ from other stressors by their suddenness and the magnitude of impact, often overwhelming normal coping mechanisms and necessitating external aid and recovery efforts (Smith & Thornton, 2020).

Family members can share the burden of pain in four ways: emotional sharing, practical assistance, spiritual support, and open communication (Williams & Adams, 2018). Sharing alleviates individual distress and promotes unity.

Christian faith can serve as a vital resource during crises, offering hope, meaning, and community support. The authors caution against extremes—either withdrawal from faith or over-reliance—that can hinder recovery (Balswick et al., 2017).

Multiple causes of divorce include communication breakdowns, financial issues, infidelity, and incompatibility (Brown, 2021). The typical four-stage sequence involves emotional distress, decision to divorce, legal separation, and adjustments to restructured life (Johnson, 2019).

Divorce can have profound effects on children, including emotional insecurity, developmental disruptions, and academic challenges. Support systems and stable post-divorce environments mitigate these impacts (Amato & Keith, 1991).

Challenges in single-parent families include financial hardship, lack of social support, and emotional stress for both parent and child (McLanahan & Sandefur, 1994). Reconstituted families face issues of loyalty, boundary setting, and establishing new family norms (Ganong & Coleman, 2017).

A “binuclear” family exists when both parents have legal or social custody of children, and the family functions with two separate households coordinated for the children’s benefit. Strategies promoting cooperation and communication between two households, such as shared parenting plans, enhance the success of binuclear arrangements (Kelly, 2011).

References

• Amato, P. R., & Keith, B. (1991). Parental divorce and the well-being of children: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 110(1), 26–46.
• Balswick, J. O., Balswick, J. K., & Reimer, K. (2017). Family ministries: A comprehensive introduction. InterVarsity Press.
• Brown, M. (2021). Causes and consequences of divorce. Family Insight Journal, 45(2), 24-30.
• Ganong, L. H., & Coleman, M. (2017). Advances in family research. In L. H. Ganong & M. Coleman (Eds.), Handbook of family theories. Sage Publications.
• Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2019). Social psychology (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Johnson, S. (2019). The pathway of divorce: Stages and impacts. Journal of Family Studies, 33(4), 567-582.
• Kelly, J. B. (2011). Creating effective shared parenting arrangements. Child Maltreatment, 16(3), 172-177.
• Lee, R. M., et al. (2019). Family stress and resilience. Family Relations, 68(4), 568–580.
• Miller, R. L., & Ryan, C. (2020). Power dynamics in intimate relationships. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(1), 56-72.
• Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., & Perri, M. (2019). Problem solving in clinical practice. Basic Books.
• Smit, W., & Thornton, H. (2020). Disaster response and family resilience. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(2), 243-251.
• Thompson, R. A., & Fowers, B. J. (2020). Support systems and family stress mitigation. Family Relations, 69(1), 54–66.
• Williams, M., & Adams, K. (2018). Sharing pain in families: Strategies and effects. Family Process, 57(4), 972-985.