Perpectives on Family Communication
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Description
Emphasizing the role that communication plays in both creating and solving family issues, Perspectives on Family Communication thoroughly reflects the explosion of research literature in the area of family communication. Now in its fourth successful edition, the text continues to emphasize the role that communication plays in the evolution of family issues. Throughout, the text examines a wide variety of contemporary family types and supports this examination with current research and practical examples.
ISBN
9780073406824
Publication Date
2012
Publisher
McGraw-Hill
City
New York
Disciplines
Communication
Comments
Table of Contents
Preface
To the Student
Part 1. PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Chapter 1. Providing Definitions
Family Culture
Defining the Family
Family Communication Perspective
Cultural and Demographic Trends Affecting the Family
From Tradition to Transition: Family Types in the United States
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 2. Providing Theoretical Frameworks
The Definition of Theory
Intellectual Traditions
The Theoretical Assumptions Underlying this Text
Family Theories
Methods of Inquiry
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Part 2. Family Interactions
Chapter 3. EXAMINING STRUCTURE: ROLES AND RULES
Roles and Family Communication
Rules and Family Communication
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 4. SOCIETAL CONTEXT FOR COMMUNICATION
Televised Messages About Families
Women’s and Men’s Movements and Their Influence on Families
Government and the Family
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 5. Communicating Intimacy
Interpreting Intimacy and Closeness
Culture and Intimacy
Explaining Intimacy in Family Communication
Expressing Intimacy in the Family
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 6 TELLING STORIES AND MAKING MEANING
Understanding Family Stories
Functions of Family Stories
Types of Family Stories
Other Meaning-Making Practices
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 7. Expressing Conflict, Power, and Violence
Conflict, Power, Violence, and Culture
Conflict in the Family
Power in the Family
Violence in the Family
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 8. Communicating Under Stress
Interpreting Stress
Assumptions About Stress and Stressors
Communication and Developmental Stressors
Communication and Unpredictable Stressors
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 9. Managing Challenging Dialogues
Religion in the United States
Family Communication and Sexuality
Summary
Key Terms
Questions for Reflection
Part 3. Conclusions
Chapter 10. Concluding Perspectives on Family Communications
The Future of Family Communication Research
Cultural Discourse About the Family
Thinking About Family Communication: Four Conclusions
Summary
Questions for Reflection
Glossary
References
Credits
Subject Index