Christian Counseling for Marriage (Essay Sample)

Christian Counseling for Marriage
Author
Institution
Christian Counseling for Marriage
Family power is the aspect in which members of a family are able to collaborate and engage one another in order to ensure co-existence in the family. According to Balswick and Balswick (2007), there are four basic models that can be used to explain family power in the certain family.
The Patriarchal Model
According to this model, males have more authority than females in the family. This consideration is based on traditional values that men are heads of the family and should exercise authoritative powers. This model gives all powers and decision-making roles to the men even if the decisions are not to the best interest of the family (Balswick & Balswick, 275).
The Democratic-Exchange Model
This model explains that family power is based on how united a family is and not on power which is ascribed to one individual. This means that the decisions arrive into the family through negotiations that include each of the family members’ opinion. Hence, the unifying factor of the family is sharing of resources that are converted into family power (Balswick & Balswick, 275).
Hedonistic Self Interest Model
This model explains that every member of the family is taking care of himself. The model implies that the actions of each member are based on their own interest which encourages selfishness and lack of respect to one another (Balswick & Balswick, 275).
Empowerment Model
According to Breazeale (2013), the members of the family have different gifts which in combination can form a powerful family. Hence, the members of the family should be ensured that they are able to help those members who are lack for other gifts to guarantee and provide a culture of helping each other. This is in line with biblical teachings that people should love and h...