1. Gender and Family Communication
North Seattle Community College CMN 145
Gender and Family Communication
Symbolic Meanings and Relational Maintenance: Rituals and Stories

2. “Every family lives in its own symbolic world, yet also participates in the larger world of shared symbolic activity” (Family Communication 106).

3. “What is most important about a family situation or event is not what happened but what it means to each family member” (106).

4. Family Symbols & Rituals
Couple Rituals
Family Cultural Rituals
Intergenerational Rituals
Family Ceremonies and Celebrations

5. Family Stories Stories carry important messages to family members:
Remember
Create belonging and reaffirm family destiny
Educate current members
Aid changes
Provide stability
entertain

6. Types of Stories How did this family come to be?
Are parents really human?
How does a child become a male or female in this family?
Will the family stand behind its members?
How does the family handle adversity?
Why does it mean to be a ___ (family name)?