Title: Analyze the effect of power and authority (and the lack thereof) within relationships.
Course: Family Relations (19259-36) > Section: Analyzing Family Relationships

Analysis should include

- describing types of power (e.g., permissive, authoritarian, authoritative, egalitarian)
- describing the social exchange theory
- describing empowerment and its importance in relationships
- citing situations where power is exercised
- giving examples of positive and negative uses of power and authority.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- How can power be both positive and negative?
- What are the benefits when power and authority are used in positive ways in the family?
- What are the consequences when they are used in negative ways?

Communication

- How can people communicate power in positive ways?
- How might it feel to experience power used in positive ways? In negative ways?
- How do family interactions affect the family system?

Leadership

- What ethical standards guide the use of power?
- What strategies could help a person exercise power in positive ways?
- What patterns of interactions lead to strong, healthy families?

Management

- Why do expectations for family members need to include both rights and responsibilities?
- What resources can be used to analyze the implications of power and authority within relationships?
- What assistance is available to people in relationships where power and authority are abused?

Teacher Resource:

What is Social Exchange Theory of Relationships: Examples and More, Simply Psychology