2 - Relational Paradigms and Dialectics Flashcards
Define: Paradigm 1
Version 1
- WESTERN and INDIVIDUALISTIC
- Emphasizes the self
- De-emphasizes the other
- Reduces the relationships to a fragile connecting mechanism
- If there are difficulties the first line of defence is to blame the other
- Doesn’t take much to break self and other apart
Define: Paradigm 1
Version 2
- Self and other same size and overlap
- BUT still separate entities and minimal connection
- Relationship created by overlap of other and individual
- WESTERN and INDIVIDUALISTIC
Define: Paradigm 2
Name and year
- Self and other embedded in the relationship
- Embedded self and other can’t be described outside of relational context
- Relationship has an identity of its own
- “Spiritual child” (Stewart 1990); can be destructive, life of it’s own
- Collaborative
Paradigm 2 thinking
- Dialectical perspective
- Opposites are related and tied together
- Fluid boundaries of relationship allow change within (transcendent)
Define: Paradigm 3
- Non-seperable self, other and relationship
- Intertwined together as one as we get closer and interact
- Demarkations of self, other and relationship becomes fuzzy
- Change in one entity leads to change in the other
- We come into being from our contact with others
- COLLECTIVIST (not western, eg. Japan)
The paradigm continuum
1 - Monologue heavy; “I” and “you”
2- Transition
3- Dialogue heavy; “we”
Define: Relational dialectics theory
- Emphasis on the discourses that construct relational meaning
- Explains patterns that emerge when relationships form
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Assumptions x 4
- Relationships are not linear
- Relational life is characterised by change
- Contradiction is a fact of relational life
- Communication is central to organising and negotiating relational contradictions
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Discursive tensions
- Manifest in messages that have two seemingly contradictory meanings
Internal - within the dyad (relationship)
External - the dyads interaction with those outside of the relationship
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Baxter Integration Tension
External - Inclusion-Seclusion
- Messages about wanting to spend time as a couple with social network but also wanting time alone
- Eg. “I like spending time with you and my friends but sometimes I feel like you don’t get involved”
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Baxter Expression Tension
External - Revelation-Concealment
- Communication allows people to share info with social network whilst also keeping some info private
- Eg. “We are having an argument right now but I don’t want to tell you what it is about”
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Baxter (Un)Certainty Tension
Internal - Predictability-Novelty
- Messages that suggest the importance of routine and consistency as well as spontaneity
- Eg. “I like going grocery shopping at the supermarket every week but maybe we could go to a farmers market for a change”
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Coping with dialectic tensions 1
Selection - Making a choice between the two opposites
Separation - Favouring different sides of the opposites
- Cyclic alternation = cycling back and forth between opposites
- Topical segmentation = identifying separate arenas for emphasising each opposite
Define: Relational dialectics theory
Coping with dialectic tensions 2
Neutralisation - Compromising between the opposites
- Moderation = Striving to reach a midpoint
- Disqualification = being ambiguous so neither opposite is engaged
Reframing - adjusting perceptions so that the opposites are viewed as complimentary rather than contradictory
Eg. “if we are with each other all the time then it won’t be as special”
What are the 4 dialectic tension coping mechanisms?
- Selection
- Separation
- Neutralisation
- Reframing
