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Dialectical Perspective ΒΆ

The perspective assumes that relationships are the constant fluctuation of managing opposing tensions or contradictions. It denies relationships are not result of mathematical calculation. Four important assumptions are:
  1. Praxis
  2. Change
  3. Contradictions
  4. Totality

Praxis
Praxis suggests that relationships trajectories are not linear (always moving foward) nor repetitive (cycling through the same things again and again). Dialectical perspective assumes that relationships can be more intimate sometimes; less inimate the other time. Partners in relationship move forward and backwards in times.

Change
Dialectical perspective assumes that relationship keeps changing. Relationships are not maintained, rather they are sustained in the changing status.

Contradictions
Communication partners in every relationship has opposing needs (contradictions). Because these needs conteract each other people cannot achieve both needs at the same time. Therefore, there are always tensions in any kinds of realtionships.
e.g., Spouse need to spend time together to sustain their marriage; on the other hand, both partners need to have some time to themselves, away from their partners. Both togetherness and independence are needed for marriage to be sustained. But, both cannot achieved at the same time.

Totality
Totality refers to the inter-dependent nature of relationships.

Internal tensions :: Relationships are formed and sustained by the above four ideas. Tensions are always occur between partners. The three central tensions that individuals experience are:
  1. autonomy-connection dialectic
  2. openness-closedness dialectic
  3. predictability-novelty dialectic

    Autonomy-connection
    dialectic refers to the tension between the desire to be independence and that to be connected.
    Openness-closedness
    dialectic refers to the tension bewteen wanting to open-up or self-disclosure and wanting to remain private.
    Predictability-novelty
    dialectic refers to the tension between wanting stability or steadiness while also wanting opportunities for spontaneity.

External tensions :: . . . Communication partners are constantly vacillate between each of these three communicative poles. Also, three central tensions are thought to exist. Each of these tensions is a unit of the relationship (communication partners).
  1. inclusion-seclusion
  2. revelation-concealment
  3. conventionality-uniqueness

    Inclusion-seclusion
    dialectic refers to the tension partners experience when they want to spend time with friends, family, or coworkers versus wanting to spend their time alone together.
    Revealation-concealment
    dialectic refers to tension between desire to reveal the aspects of their relationship to the world and that to hide to themselves.
    Conventionality-uniqueness
    refers to tension between wanting to be like others and wanting to be unique.

Individuals and partners as a unit should manage these tensions across the poles. Four strategies to handle the internal and external tensions:
  1. Selection
  2. Cyclic alteration
  3. Segmentation
  4. Integration

    Selection
    Choosing one pole (side) over the other, which may end the relationship.
    Cyclic alteration
    Choosing one pole at this time; and will do the other at the other time. Creating back-and-forth and back-and-forth strategy to cope with the relationship.
    Segmentation
    Setting aside something (particular) that conflicts each other. Choosing some topics for openness; the other for closedness.
    Integration
    Choosing several variations to create a more fulfilling experience. A couple may choose to use predictability and novelty to escalate their relationship by setting an agreement that Friday is date night (predictability) and that they try out a different restaurant every week (novelty).


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