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Family Communication: Cohesion and Change, 7/E
Kathleen M. Galvin, Northwestern University
Carma L. Bylund, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Bernard J. Brommel, Northeastern Illinois University

ISBN-10: 0205498221
ISBN-13: 9780205498222

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 2008
Format: Paper; 434 pp
Published: 07/17/2007

Suggested retail price: $103.20
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Family Communication: Cohesion and Change examines how the communication processes within families affect and are affected by larger social systems.

 

By viewing the family as a communication system with identifiable patterns, the authors encourage students to observe family interaction patterns analytically and relate communication theories to family interaction. Using a framework of family functions, first-person narratives, and current research, Family Communication: Cohesion and Change emphasizes the diversity of today's families in terms of structure, ethnic patterns, and developmental experiences.

  • Includes research on sibling relations, divorce, remarriage, and family violence to provide students with the latest information on key topics.
  • Features discussions of the most common issues and current trends in the field including: religion, economics, jealousy, abuse, family well-being and multigenerational families to give students thorough coverage of different family structures as well as the “dark side” of family communication.
  • Explains theoretical structures clearly –-including systems theory, dialectical theory, and symbolic interaction (Ch. 3)-- to help students understand the framework for chapter discussions.
  • Develops in detail the concept of family narratives and family rituals as creators of meaning in family communication, a concept to which all students can relate (Ch 4).
  • Features a detailed discussion of relational maintenance in keeping with the current literature in the field (Ch. 5).
  • Offers a unique emphasis on power and decision making through a decision-making model and coverage of abusive conflict patterns (Chs. 7 & 8).
  • Incorporates information on multiple family types, eliminating the perception that there is a “right” type of family.
  • Emphasizes the enormous diversity of families today, in terms of both structure and cultural heritage, throughout the text in both discussions and examples.
  • Reflects increasingly diverse family experiences, while maintaining a strong focus on patterns and systems.

  • Introduces the concept of discourse-dependent families, so students gain an understanding of how family identity is increasingly constructed through language.
  • Includes a new section on communication and family well-being that not only integrates material on improving family communication, but also features new research on family communication and health, so students can appreciate the profound effects of family interactions on physical and mental health.
  • Reduces the emphasis on general interpersonal communication, so students spend less time reviewing concepts with which they are already familiar.
  • Strengthens the focus on communication theories in Chapter 3 and throughout the book, so students understand the varied ways to theorize about family relationships and the links between theory and family research.
  • Condenses three chapters from the 6th edition (Chs. 4, 5, & 6) into two coherent and streamlined chapters to help students more easily follow the discussions and identify pertinent material.
  • Links Chapter 12 on the home environment to media usage, so students comprehend the influence that different media can have on families, depending on the expertise of individual members.

Preface

 

1. Introduction to the Family

Families: Definitional Issues

Families: Current Status

Conclusion

 

2. Framework for Family Communication

The Communication Process

Communication Patterns and Family Functions

A Framework for Examining Family Communication

Conclusion

In review

 

3. Family Theories

The Systems Perspective

Social Constructionism and Symbolic Interaction

Dialectical Theory

Narrative Theory

A Final Note

Conclusion

In Review

 

4. Communication Patterns and the Creation of Family Meanings

Relational Cultures`

Communication Patterns That Influence Family

Meanings

Conclusion

In Review

 

5. Closeness and Intimacy within Families

Relational Maintenance

Rituals

Relational Currencies

Narratives

Relationship Development and Intimacy

Barriers to Intimacy

Conclusion

In Review

 

6. Communication and Family Roles and Types

Role Definition

Specific Role Functions

Role Appropriation

Couple and Family Typologies

Conclusion

In Review

 

7. Power, Influence and Decision Making

Power

Influence

Decision Making

Conclusion

In Review

 

8. Communication and Family Conflict

The Process of Conflict

Factors in Family Conflict

Destructive Conflict

Constructive Conflict

Unresolved Conflict

Conclusion

In Review

 

9. Communication and Family Stress: Developmental Issues

Overview of Family Change

Family Stages and Life Course

Transitions between Stages

Conclusion

In Review

 

10. Communication and Unpredictable Stress

Unpredictable Stress and Family Coping Patterns

Communication and Specific Crises

Conclusion

In Review

 

11. Contextual Dimensions of Family Communication

Factors of Family Context

The Home World: Outside and Inside

Family Fit and Environment

Conclusion

In Review

 

12. Family Communication and Well-Being

Family Communication and Health

Perspectives on Well-Functioning Families

Approaches for Improving Family Communication

A Final Word

Conclusion

In Review

 

Bibliography

Name Index

Subject Index

    Examines the communication processes within families and how they affect and are affected by larger social systems.

    By viewing the family as a communication system with identifiable patterns, this text encourages students to analyze family interaction patterns analytically and thoroughly. Using a framework of family functions, first-person narratives, and current research, Family Communication emphasizes the diversity of today's families in terms of structure, ethnic patterns, and developmental experiences.

  • 0205378862Family Communication: Cohesion and Change, 6/E
    Galvin, Bylund & Brommel
    © 2004 | Allyn & Bacon | Paper; 456 pages | Instock
    ISBN-10: 0205378862 | ISBN-13: 9780205378869
    Brief Description

Family Communication: Cohesion and Change, 7/e

Kathleen M. Galvin, Northwestern University

Carma L. Bylund, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Bernard J. Brommel, Northeastern Illinois University

 

Family Communication: Cohesion and Change examines the communication processes within families and how they affect and are affected by larger social systems.

 

By viewing the family as a communication system with identifiable patterns, the authors encourage students to observe family interaction patterns analytically and relate communication theories to family interaction. Using a framework of family functions, first-person narratives, and current research, Family Communication: Cohesion and Change emphasizes the diversity of today's families in terms of structure, ethnic patterns, and developmental experiences.

 

Features:

  • Includes research on sibling relations, divorce, remarriage, and family violence.
  • Features discussions of the most common issues and current trends in the field including religion, economics, jealousy, abuse, family well-being, and multigenerational families.
  • Emphasizes the enormous diversity of families today in terms of both structure and cultural heritage.
  • Explains theoretical structures clearly — including systems theory, dialectical theory, and symbolic interaction.
  • Develops in detail the concept of family narratives and family rituals as creators of meaning in family communication, a concept to which all students can relate.
  • Offers a unique emphasis on power and decision making through a decision-making model and coverage of abusive conflict patterns.

New to This Edition:

  • Introduces the concept of discourse-dependent families, so students gain an understanding of how family identity is increasingly constructed through language.
  • Includes a new section on communication and family well-being to help students appreciate the profound effects of family interactions on physical and mental health.
  • Reduces the emphasis on general interpersonal communication so students spend less time reviewing concepts with which they are already familiar.
  • Links the home environment to media usage (Chapter 12), so students comprehend the influence that different media can have on families, depending on the expertise of individual members.

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

For Marriage and Family


For Sociology of Family


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