For the week Monday September 24 to Friday September 28 we learned a lot about family theories. We first learned what a phenomenon is. We learned that phenomenon is an observable event. We also learned that a theory is an attempt to explain an phenomenon. Furthermore, we also learned that theories can help us better understand or predict a phenomenon. Theories require lots of assumptions and they help us predict. With the different Family Theories, different marriage and family councilors use these theories to help solve conflict and understand the family dynamics better. The different Family Theories that we learned is (1) Family System Theories, (2) Exchange Theories, (3) Symbolic Interaction Theory and, (4) Conflict Theory. First, the Family System Theories explains that family members play roles. We also learned that there are unspoken rules in families, which this theory explains. An example of how family members play roles is that there a sibling in the family that is the "tattle tale" or the peace maker, etc. The second is Exchange Theories. This explains that people want more than what they put into a relationship. Meaning, that people weigh out the costs and benefits when interacting with people. The third theory is Symbolic Interaction Theory. This theory means that there is symbolic interactions between people. This means that when people do a certain body language, such as giving someone a high-five that they are proud or accepting what someone has done. Symbolic Interaction theory is stating, that we have an interpretations of body language or a gesture. The Symbolic Interaction Theory also means that we have different perceptions of interactions. Often times we can misunderstand the symbolic interaction between two people. The last theory is Conflict Theory. The Conflict theory is making the assumption that some people have more power than others. Examples of conflict power can be in money, economic class, etc. Conflict theory can be viewed as competition between people. No one wins in the theory, because no one is ever happy with the outcome. People will always be competing in this conflict theory. These were some of the different theories that I learned in class that has helped me understand why people do things in marriage and in families.