Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:48
The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
Negotiating with helping systems: an example of grounded theory evolving through emergent fit
1Wayne State University, USA.
Qualitative Health Research
|March 21, 2000
Summary
Grounded theories evolve through emergent fit, enhancing their applicability. This study shows how feminist grounded theory on women's caring integrated with health care research to create a broader negotiating framework.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Feminist Theory
Background:
- Substantive grounded theories are modifiable but their evolution via emergent fit is under-explored.
- Existing research often generates isolated theories, hindering knowledge accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the concept of emergent fit in grounded theory.
- To illustrate the evolution of grounded theory using an example of women's caring relationships with helping systems.
Main Methods:
- A feminist grounded-theory approach was employed.
- The study examined women's caring experiences and their relationships with helping systems.
- Emergent fit was utilized by integrating findings with existing inductive research on health care relationships.
Main Results:
- Emergent fit led to the development of a negotiating framework for understanding relationships with helping systems.
- The framework comprises four strategies: reframing responsibility, becoming an expert, harnessing resources, and taking on more.
- This process resulted in a substantive theory with wider applicability.
Conclusions:
- Emergent fit is a valuable process for evolving grounded theories.
- This approach facilitates knowledge accumulation and avoids the creation of isolated theoretical frameworks.
- The developed negotiating framework offers broader applicability in understanding caring relationships.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
02:06Social Exchange Theory
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
01:24Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
The development of self in children is deeply rooted in social interactions, mainly through stages of play and structured games. These stages, outlined by sociologist George Herbert Mead, illustrate how children progressively learn to understand and adopt social roles, forming a cohesive sense of self.The Play Stage: Imitation and Simple Role-TakingIn the early years of childhood, the play stage is characterized by imitative behavior, where children engage in role-playing based on familiar...
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
01:26Social Exchange Theory
As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
01:26Equity Theory
Equity theory explains how our sense of fairness influences the dynamics of close relationships. Rooted in social psychology, the theory posits that individuals evaluate fairness by comparing the ratio of their contributions to the rewards they receive. Relationship satisfaction is highest when these ratios are perceived as balanced between partners, promoting mutual reciprocity and a sense of justice.Equity vs. Equality in RelationshipsEquity is distinct from equality. Fairness does not...