According to the Family Communication Patterns Theory, there are two aspects of communication contained in every family dynamic: conversation orientation and conformity orientation (McCornack p 330).
Conversation Orientation
Conversation orientation can best be described as the amount of information that family members are open to sharing information about a plethora of topics. Families with a high conversation orientation view open sharing as essential for personal and family development. There are few limits about what these families are willing to discuss. As slightly embarrassing as it is, I am a fan of the TV show Parenthood. The whole Braverman family reflects this high conversation orientation perfectly. They talk about pretty much anything that comes to their minds (often when they probably shouldn't). In contrast, families with a low conversation orientation do not feel the necessity to speak of things more personal. They frequently stick to conversations (if they have them at all) that do not disclose very much personal information.
Conversation Orientation
Conversation orientation can best be described as the amount of information that family members are open to sharing information about a plethora of topics. Families with a high conversation orientation view open sharing as essential for personal and family development. There are few limits about what these families are willing to discuss. As slightly embarrassing as it is, I am a fan of the TV show Parenthood. The whole Braverman family reflects this high conversation orientation perfectly. They talk about pretty much anything that comes to their minds (often when they probably shouldn't). In contrast, families with a low conversation orientation do not feel the necessity to speak of things more personal. They frequently stick to conversations (if they have them at all) that do not disclose very much personal information.
Conformity Orientation
Conformity orientation is essentially the level at which communication reflects similarities in the values of a family. Families with high conformity orientations tend to value homogeneity over individuality and independence. Children in these families are expected to obey without question, and family members are placed on a higher pedestal than any outside relationships. The Corleone family in The Godfather trilogy displays many of these characteristics, especially when considering the priority that family takes over individuality. Families with low conformity orientations are just the opposite. They value independence of ideas and individual growth more than the growth of the family. Outsiders (of the family) are seen as equally as important as insiders.
Conformity orientation is essentially the level at which communication reflects similarities in the values of a family. Families with high conformity orientations tend to value homogeneity over individuality and independence. Children in these families are expected to obey without question, and family members are placed on a higher pedestal than any outside relationships. The Corleone family in The Godfather trilogy displays many of these characteristics, especially when considering the priority that family takes over individuality. Families with low conformity orientations are just the opposite. They value independence of ideas and individual growth more than the growth of the family. Outsiders (of the family) are seen as equally as important as insiders.
My family is the combination of high conversation orientation and high conformity orientation. This combination is called consensual (Methods and Theories). We can talk about pretty much anything (though with seven of us, only a few can talk at once), and we value our family relationships above those of our friends. Our friends mean a lot to us, but we understand that the bond that our family has will be much more permanent (most friends will come and go unfortunately). Debate is encouraged, but ultimately our parents' view was accepted (when it came to obedience issues). Conflict was dealt with quickly because unsettled conflict would oftentimes get worse with different brothers (the youngest three pictured to the left) choosing sides. The parents-children dynamic will obviously change as my brothers and I grow up, for our parents' view will no longer dictate our every move (though I hope we all still respect them enough to typically heed their advice).
Sources
McCornack, S. (2013). Relationships with Romantic Partners. In Reflect & Relate: An Introduction to Personal Communication (3rd ed., pp. 293-295). Boston: Bedford/ St. Martins.
Methods and Theories. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://people.emich.edu/jleblanc/engl444/exercises/texthypertext/methods.html
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/parenthood/images/f/f0/ParenthoodSeason4.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121004011401
http://www.sfsymphony.org/SanFranciscoSymphony/media/Library/Event-Images/TheGodfather_583x336.jpg?width=583&height=336&ext=.jpg
http://www.rrstar.com/storyimage/IR/20141023/SPORTS/141029633/AR/0/AR-141029633.jpg
Sources
McCornack, S. (2013). Relationships with Romantic Partners. In Reflect & Relate: An Introduction to Personal Communication (3rd ed., pp. 293-295). Boston: Bedford/ St. Martins.
Methods and Theories. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://people.emich.edu/jleblanc/engl444/exercises/texthypertext/methods.html
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/parenthood/images/f/f0/ParenthoodSeason4.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121004011401
http://www.sfsymphony.org/SanFranciscoSymphony/media/Library/Event-Images/TheGodfather_583x336.jpg?width=583&height=336&ext=.jpg
http://www.rrstar.com/storyimage/IR/20141023/SPORTS/141029633/AR/0/AR-141029633.jpg