A closer look at the family relationships in the 1994 film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's book Little Women. Communication concepts and theories are explained in relation to the film's characters.

1. Family Relationships through Still Frames: Little Women (1994) Presentation By, Alison Melkonian

4. Family Functions: Level of Cohesion and Adaptability

5. Functions of Stories “ Stories construct bridges connecting generations, creating a sense of history that gives younger members a place in the world. Family stories instruct members in the family values, or themes, and what is expected of them” Brommel, Bylund, and Galvin p.p.97

6. Sibling Relational Maintenance “ Although siblings are involuntarily linked, most report having a commitment To this relationship beyond obligatory ties.” Brommel, Bylund, and Galvin p.p. 110

7. Family Ceremonials and Celebrations “ Ceremonial rituals provide unique opportunities for family members to bond with each other and significant others in their communities.” - Brommel, Bylund, and Galvin p.p. 118

8. Roles “ role performance, is the actual interactive behavior that defines how the role is enacted. As with role expectations, role performance is influenced by the individual’s capacity for enacting the role.” - Brommel, Bylund, and Galvin p.p. 165

9. Roles Meg March-- The oldest sister

10. Roles Beth is the third sister and functions as the role of peacekeeper. She is gentle and always sickly. Too frail to be active, Beth plays the role of friend and nurturer to her sisters and mother.

11. Roles Pictured above is 12 year old Amy and adult Amy. Her role is that of youth and vanity. Although she loves her sisters, Amy is the sister that gets out of the house early in pursuit of fortune and her art.

12. Roles The role of Marmee (mother) in this film is that of ultimate nurturer, provider, and confidant. All her daughters draw upon her for strength and comfort. Marmee is also the head of the March family household in her husband’s absence.

13. Decision Making “ Decision making, like power, is a process that belongs to The family system, not to an individual.” -- Brommel, Bylund and Galvin p.p 195

14. Gender Influences The dominate female presence in the March household is atypical as far As financial decisions are concerned. The girls must balance themselves Between being proper ladies and breadwinners. Also, it is up to Marmee And her older daughters to maintain decision making for the maintenance of The household in the prolonged absence of a male dominant figure.

15. Conflict Throughout the 15 years of film’s portrayal of the March family, many moments of conflict naturally arise. There is often competition among the 4 sisters for affection, opportunity, and freedom. Most of these conflicts are worked out by the family by means of collaboration and compromise.

16. Famous March Family Moments