Hello, I need help in finding some answers to this question? How are families both places of comfort, security, and nurture, and at the same time places of domination, conflict, and violence. Thanks

These are worth reading:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_causes_a_person_to_remain_in_an_abusive_relationship

You may want to peruse this library.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/FAQ/1880

The answer to your question is not simple, and it varies from instance to instance. Abusive relationships are caused by two persons: the abuser, and the victim. Both have roles, and it is an interdependence.

But we don't really have to think of conflict, etc. as abusive. Granted, violence is as is domination.

In any group of people that are close to each other, especially ones that care about each other, there is always going ot be tension when they are around each other too much. If we're talking about violence or domination, then we're thinking of a different situation (which you did ask about. Just giving another angle to it).

On a very basic level, a family protects you from certain things - even an abusive family. You still generally get food, have a place to sleep at night (even if uncomfortably) and have clothes to keep you warm. So even an extremely disfunctional family does take care of these needs generally speaking. So we can see how a person can feel somehow secure in that environment, yet not trusting enough to be able to leave it for something better. There might be a feeling of "what if I don't even get those things I do need? I'll be worse off."

As stated before, the tension is there in all families. The problem arises when people don't know how to deal with that tension.

My thoughts on the subject. Others are welcome to disagree or expand on what I said. Just thinking off the top of my head on where I would start looking to investigate the answer.

Matt

Hello! I'd be happy to help you find answers to your question about families being both places of comfort, security, and nurture, as well as places of domination, conflict, and violence.

To better understand this question, it may be helpful to explore different perspectives and research on the topic. Here's a step-by-step approach to finding answers:

1. Start with basic research: First, you can conduct a general internet search using keywords such as "families as places of comfort and conflict." This will provide you with a range of articles, studies, and resources related to this topic.

2. Review academic journals: To access more in-depth and credible information, consider searching through academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or PubMed. Enter keywords related to your topic, such as "family dynamics," "family violence," or "parent-child relationships." These databases typically provide access to studies, articles, and scholarly papers that delve into diverse perspectives on the subject.

3. Consult books on family studies: Look for books written by researchers, psychologists, or sociologists who specialize in family studies. Books like "The Family: A World History" by Mary Jo Maynes, "Family Violence Across the Lifespan" by Ola W. Barnett, or "The Conflict Resolution Toolbox" by Gary Harper offers insights and analysis on the multiple dimensions of family dynamics.

4. Seek perspectives from multiple disciplines: Exploring the topic from various disciplines like sociology, psychology, anthropology, or gender studies can provide a comprehensive understanding. These disciplines often examine families from different angles, shedding light on both positive and negative aspects of family life.

5. Analyze case studies and personal stories: Real-life examples and personal narratives can provide valuable insights into the complexities of family dynamics. Look for case studies, memoirs, or interviews that touch on the themes of comfort, security, nurture, domination, conflict, and violence within families. These can be found in books, documentaries, or online resources.

Remember, it's important to critically evaluate the information you find during your research, considering the credibility of the sources and the perspectives presented. By conducting a thorough investigation using these steps, you'll be able to develop a well-rounded understanding of how families can be both sources of comfort and conflict.