Propositions of the Exchange Theory Actors in a situation will choose whatever behavior will maximize the utility. If there are no rewards, the actors will choose the option that minimizes the costs. When immediate utilities are equal, the actors will choose whichever option provides the greatest utility in the long term. When long term utilities are equal, the actors will choose whichever option provides the greatest short term utility.

Symbolic Interaction Theory

Symbolic Interaction Framework: Assumptions Human behavior can only be understood by the meanings of the individual (actor) Actors define the meanings of context or situation Individuals have minds Society precedes the individual

Society precedes individuals: stay-at-home dads Symbols are socially defined How is a “stay at home dad” defined? Without symbols there is no meaning Is a “stay-at-home dad” a common symbol? Without meaning, there is no interaction  no actor, no society How should other people interact with a “stay-at-home dad”?

Concepts of symbolic interaction framework Self Individuals can look at their own behavior as an object Corollary: Individuals can evaluate their own behavior Socialization Process of acquiring symbols Role Position (social place) of an actor Roles have rules of behavior (clear vs. unclear rules) Others have expectations from roles (based on rules) Definition of the situation Actors give a meaning to a situation and thus the meaning becomes “real.”

Stay at home dads Self : Individuals can evaluate their own behavior How do stay-at-home dads evaluate their own behavior? Socialization How are we socialized in terms of our point of view towards stay-at-home dads? Role: Roles have rules of behavior and others have expectations from roles What are the “rules of behavior” regarding stay-at-home fatherhood? Definition of the situation: Actors give a meaning to a situation and thus the meaning becomes “real.” What meaning do others give to the stay-at-home dad role?

Propositions of Symbolic Interaction Framework The quality of role enactment positively affects satisfaction in that role (in that relationship) The more individuals perceive consensus in the expectations about the role that they occupy, the less they experience role strain. The greater the diversification of the roles of a person, the less the person will perceive consensus about the expectations, the greater the role strain. The greater the strain, the easier it is to make a transition out of the role.