Proposes that sexuality is universally linked to the social structure in three specific areas: (a) marital jealousy, (b) gender role power, and (c) beliefs about normality. Variations and interrelations of these three linkages are explained by the logical structure of this sociological theory. The relevance of this theory for the applied…

Examines key "chaos" elements--operation of systems far from equilibrium, nonlinear causation and discontinuous change, patterns in apparent chaos, and self-organization--in relation to family systems theory. Although there are several parallels, chaos theory is better able to address change, inequity, and the occurrence of order and…

Presents a case for a more flexible and realistic explanatory practice in the family studies field, discussing descriptive, conceptual, and theoretical approaches. Discusses the phenomenon of explanation itself, and adopts ideas from the domains of the philosophy of science, mathematics, and related social sciences. (JPS)

Points out unresolved issues in stratification theory and measurement and discusses implications for family research. Presents results of a survey of the use of socioeconomic stratification variables in family research articles, 1991-93. Asserts the need to place socioeconomic variables in theoretical concept. (JPS)

Describes theory of broad and narrow socialization with emphasis on placing family socialization in its cultural context. In cultures characterized by broad socialization, socialization is intended to promote independence, individualism, and self-expression. Cultures with narrow socialization encourage obedience and conformity. Seven sources of…

Examined from a social exchange perspective, the interaction between several indicators of relational interdependence and relational commitment in married individuals. Results indicated that a high level of interdependence positively covaried with commitment. Perceived equity in the distribution of outcomes accounted for the largest percentage of…

Describes uniqueness of "family realm" from other human experience spheres and implications in regard to family phenomena theories. Concludes, from five position papers presented, that "family" theories originating from nonfamily realms have significant limitations. Suggests "family realm" concept is helpful in evaluating current theories and…

Investigated the relationship between marital satisfaction and perceptions of the distribution of housework and child care from two theoretical perspectives--social exchange and equity--in four population groups. Results show that there are significant relationships between marital satisfaction and perceptions of the distribution of housework and…

Describes the development of the Marital Comparison Level Index, based upon the interpersonal processes highlighted by social exchange perspectives on the evaluations of relationships. Data on 301 married individuals suggested that the relational dimensions are perceived as important, and the scale is both unidimensional and highly reliable. (JAC)

Explores marriages in which marriage and family life are organized around the wife's job or career rather than the husband's (N=46). Found three predictive social conditions: wives having traditionally male jobs, flexibility of husbands' jobs, and absence of children. Describes techniques of deviance neutralization used to minimize costs. (JAC)

Explicit marital negotiation is analyzed in terms of a three-stage model. Disparity between partners in possession of context variables influences bargaining strategies. The point is made that current negotiations have inevitably been influenced by prior bargaining and outcomes, and that current negotiations and outcomes provide the context for…

The family ideology of black Americans is compared with actual family arrangements and lifestyles. Exchange theory is used to explain the conflict between family ideology and structural conditions: in general, black women fail to marry or remain married when the costs outweight the benefits of such an arrangement. (Author/BL)

Attempted to predict relationship satisfaction in students (N=131) while controlling for the length of the relationship through an initial data collection and two subsequent follow-ups. Results indicated that involvement, reward level, and chance of marriage were all significant predictors of stability both at the three-month and the seven-month…

Examined the potential effects of correlated measurement errors among responses of wives and their husbands (N=349) on the utility of and expectations for another child. There was no change in the previous finding that wife's and husband's child utility had equal effects on expectations for another child. (JAC)

Based upon responses to questionnaires by 162 university married-housing couples, equity theory was used to explain the relations between affective self-disclosure and marital adjustment. Found that the greater discrepancy in partners' affective self-disclosure, the less was an individual's marital adjustment. (Author/RC)