Contractualism, Committalism, and Covenantalism: A Worldview Dimensional Analysis of Human Relating

Abstract

In this analysis we argue that worldview dimensions serve as useful bases for understanding and articulating people's relational experience, and we employ seven such dimensions to argue for the prevalence of contractual, committal, and covenantal worldviews in North America. The dimensions include relaters’ views about (a) the basic social unit, (b) concepts of human nature, (c) concepts of human relating, (d) the purpose of human relating, (e) salient symbols for relationship functioning, (f) causes of and remedies for relational distress, and (g) sources for moral guidelines for relating. Discussion and implications address the utility of worldview dimensions to describe human relating and research in relational communication.

Keywords:

• Commitment
• Contract
• Covenant
• Relational Worldviews
• Relationships

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William Strom

William Strom (PhD, 1988, University of Iowa) is a Professor in the Department of Media + Communication at Trinity Western University.