Trumping Truancy: A Transactional Application of Triadic Reciprocality Theory

Abstract

This article conceptualized truancy as a systemic phenomena that highlights individual and societal roles in fostering social justice. Rather than an outcome determined by individual factors, this article presented truancy as a triadic reciprocality phenomena that takes place within social, economic, and cultural contexts. The authors took a transactional approach to possible ecological applications of the triadic reciprocality theory. This transactional approach suggested that society and the individual have mutual obligations to reducing incidences and prevalence of truancy. The authors suggested that society has an imperative to provide accessible resources and services to its members, while its members have an imperative to avail themselves of these resources. The authors also suggested that society’s moral justification for exacting sanctions against truancy and related behaviors is commensurate to the degree this society has provided viable behavioral options. Social cognitive mechanisms of this approach were discussed along with theoretical, research and prevention implications. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: ©2008 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]