Micro-level theory balances structural-functional and social-conflict visions of the family as an institutional system. Both the symbolic- interaction and social-exchange approaches focus on the...

Micro-level theory balances structural-functional and social-conflict visions of the family as an institutional system. Both the symbolic- interaction and social-exchange approaches focus on the individual experience of family life. However, micro-level theories miss the big- ger picture: The experience of family life is similar for people in the same social and economic categories. Check Your Learning How does a micro-level approach to understanding the family differ from a macro-level approach? State the main ideas of symbolic-interaction theory and social-exchange theory.