Families theories

Ponder these theories: Systems, Exchange, Conflict and Symbolic theory. All of these can or will affect families. Has yours been affected?

Systems theory: individuals in a group influence each other. A prime example of this is when an older sibling has an influence on younger siblings. Sometimes the older sibling doesn't realize it but younger siblings see what their older sibling is doing and does what they do. It's a monkey see monkey do scenario. So I ask you, has this affected your family, and if so was it for good or for bad?

Exchange theory is when someone withdraws from something when they feel they are putting more in then what they are getting out. An example of this is divorce, I assume that couple may get a divorce because one person is putting more in and the other person isn't putting enough in. This frustrates people, and as humans, we tend to take the easy road and give up rather than fight for dear life and communicate the problems. My teacher said "The happiest marriages see a spouse expecting a lot of themselves and little on their spouse".

Conflict theory is that power influences other's decisions and actions. This could be a reason for divorce as well, I am firmly against spousal and child abuse. But I know not everyone feels the same way, some feel power, even physical power shows dominance. Why? Even our social economic status, we feel we need to have the most money or have the highest paying job and feel in charge to make ourselves feel good. Again I ask why?

Symbolic theory is that all our interactions are or can be symbolic or representing something. Whenever we interact with someone, could they say our intentions, or our actions were thoughtful or sincere. Or would they say that they were afraid or scared something would happen or it's a trap. Have any of these theories hit your families? If so, were they good or has it cause destruction in your family?