In-Laws vs. Out-LawsAn Analysis of In-Law Communication

Holly KeenerSchool of Communication, Radford University, Virginia, 24142

Communication Theories

Abstract Discussion

Communication Principles

*Printing Supported by the RU Honors Academy

While much research has been conducted on interpersonal relationships that focuses on such areas as friendship, romantic, and family, there is one area that is noticeable missing in the academic literature. In-law relationships are something almost every individual will experiences at least once, however few scholarly endeavors have been published on this topic. This project seeks to discover more information regarding in-law relationships through a communication perspective by examining popular media culture through a critical analysis of films that highlight in-law relationships. This project touches on various communication phenomena related to the topic such as communication theory, gender & diversity issues as well as the role of humor and power in this often complicated interpersonal relationship.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)By: Charles Berger & Richard Calabrese

Basic Premise: Uncertainty arises when people lack information therefore individuals seek information in order to predict and explain their surroundings thus reducing their overall uncertainty of the situation.

Three Reasons to Seek Information: Deviation, Anticipation of Future Interaction & Incentive

Three Ways to Seek Information: Passive Strategy, Active Strategy & Interactive Strategy

Axioms of Uncertainty Reduction TheoryUncertainty is negatively associated with verbal communication; nonverbal affiliative expressiveness; the intimacy of communication content; the degree of similarity between partners; liking; and shared communication networks between partners. Uncertainty is positively associated with information-seeking behavior and reciprocity rate.

Examples: URT is present in all four films

Intercultural CommunicationUncertainty Principle- intercultural communication is a process whereby people from different cultures constantly search for knowledge of how to interact with one another against a background of uncertaintyIn-Group- the group members who identify and associate with each otherOut-Group- people who are kept at a physical and emotional distance by the in-group

Power

French & Raven’s Power BasesCoercive- the ability to punish Reward- the ability to rewardLegitimate- depends on one persons acceptance of role obligations to follow instructions or advice, positional powerReferent- the desire to identify with, emulate or respect anotherExpert- relies on ones superior knowledge and abilityPower can be…Destructive, Productive & Integrative

Avoidance

Compromise

Other

Polarization

Polarization

Self

Integration

Gender IssuesGender Role- the behaviors and attitudes considered appropriate for males or females in a particular cultureGender Stereotype- a set of beliefs about what it means to be female or male, including information about appearance, attitudes, interests, social relations and occupations. Social-Role Theory- maintains that the stereotypes arise from the different social roles typically held by women and men

Men WomenThe “opposite”

sex

Examples:

You, Me & Dupree

Meet the Parents

Examples:

You, Me & Dupree

Meet the Parents

Guess Who

Examples: My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Guess Who

Conflict Resolution

Parents/ Parents-in-law

Daughter/ Daughter-in-law

Son/Son-in-law

In-Law Relationships

as Triadic

Attribution TheoryBy: Fritz Heider

Basic Premise: Any communication event can be viewed as an effect that has some cause, and the cause we attribute is likely to influence the meaning of the action and how we might respond to it

What are Attributions?The internal (thinking) and external (talking) process of interpreting and understanding what is behind our own and other’s behaviors.

Further Research…Further research needs to be conducted on this topic, specifically father-in-law relationships, the effect of in-law relationships on other familial relationships, and the role of competition that exists in in-laws relationships.

Research Method: Content Analysis

-In-law relationships are triadic and non-voluntary in nature

Little Research Available Because….-Focus on other familial relationships-Sensitive Issue-Reluctance to communicate because issue may cause more conflict in the family

Examples: Meet the Parents and Guess Who

Basow, S.A. (1992). Gender: Stereotypes and Roles (3rd ed). Pacific Grove, California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

Baxter, L.A., & Braithwaite, D.O. (Eds.). (2008). Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication: Multiple Perspectives. (37-49; 133-144). Los Angeles: Sage Publications, Inc.

Brooks, P., Shareshian, S., & Waitt, N. (Executive Producers), & Zwick, J. (Director). (2002). My Big Fat Greek Wedding [Motion Picture]. USA: Gold Circle Films.

Bryant, C.M., Conger, R.D. & Meehan, J.M. (2001). The Influence of In-Laws on Change in Marital Success. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 614-626.

De Niro, R., Roach, J., Rosenthal, J., & Tenenbaum, N. (Producers), & Roach, J. (Director). (2000). Meet the Parents [Motion Picture]. USA: Universal Pictures.

Dunbar, N.E. & Burgoon, J.K. (2004). Perceptions of power and interactional dominance in interpersonal relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 22 (2), 207-233.

Fottrell, M., Perrone, S., & Kaplan, A. (Executive Producers), & Russo, A. & Russo, J. (Directors). (2006). You, Me & Dupree [Motion Picture]. USA: Universal Pictures.

Golombok, S. & Fivush, R. (1994). Gender Development. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Hocker, J.L. & Wilmot, W.W. (1995). Power. Interpersonal Conflict (4th ed). (p. 69-93). Dubuque: Brown & Benchmark Publishers.

Infante, D.A., Rancer, A.S. & Womack, D.F. (2003). Uncertainty Reduction Theory. In Building Communication Theory (4th ed) (p. 192-196). Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.

Klyukanov, I.E. (2005). Principles of Intercultural Communication. (K. Bowers, Ed.) Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Morr Serewicz, M.C. (2006). Getting Along With the In-Laws. In K. Floyd & M.T. Morman (Eds.), Widening the Family Circle: New Research on Family Communication (p. 101-116). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc.

Podsakoff, P.M. & Schriesheim, C.A. (1985). Field Studies of French and Raven’s Bases of Power: Critique, Reanalysis, and Suggestions for Future Research. Psychology Bulletin, 97(3), 387-411.

Silverstein, J.L. (1990). The problem with in-laws. Journal of Family Therapy, 14, 399-412.

Thomas, B., Greener, S. & Caracciolo, J.M. (Executive Producers), & Sullivan, K.R. (Director). (2005). Guess Who [Motion Picture]. USA: Columbia Pictures & Regency Enterprises.

Behavior is observed

Behavior is seen as deliberate

Behavior is attributed to

internal or external factors

-Uncertainty, Power, Gender &Intercultural Communication are connected*Gender issues and intercultural differences create uncertainty which causes one to feel the need to exert power over those who are different in hopes of achieving a goal.Two Issues Present…

-Role of competition

-In-Group vs. Out-Group

Ex. Meet the Parents, Circle of Trust

The In-Law’s

Circle of Trust

The Out-Law a.k.a. The Spouse

References

Opinion/Judgment

formed based on behavior

The Movies