Friendship in Mark Venon: Implications for Family Relationship

Anacletus, I. Ogbunkwu (2024) Friendship in Mark Venon: Implications for Family Relationship. African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies (AJPAS), 17 (2). pp. 138-147. ISSN 2787-0367

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Abstract

The increasing cases of domestic violence, divorce/annulment, cybercrimes, betrayal, assaults and deception among friends raise much questions on the authenticity of friendship in the society and in the family. The aim of this paper is an application of soul friendship in Vernon as the right model of friendship in the family and the larger society in order to mitigate the impacts of disordered friendship. The study applies John Bowlby and Ainsworth attachment theory to determine the quality of attachment in relationship and friendship. Using the APA manual of style in documentation of findings and with analytic method of research, the paper tries to deconstruct the complexities of friendship in Vernon while drawing favorable implications for healthy family relationship. The Primary source of data collection is Vernon’s popular book, Philosophy of Friendship where he highlights the major tenets of friendship to include; Friends and lovers, friends at work, online friendship, and spirituality of friendship/soul friendship. According to Vernon, the highest level of friendship is the third degree; spirituality of friendship which regards mutual respect, treating another as oneself, honesty, integrity. Spirituality of friendship in Vernon grows through shared experiences, trust and mutual understanding. These approaches provide adequate platforms to analyze family relationship and concepts of friendship in the larger society. The findings show that friendship in Vernon is not just a social construct rather his spirituality of friendship provides the right model of friendship in the society and a guide to family relationship. This will enable families to regain the lost values in their relationship, eliminate possibilities of domestic violence, fear, deceit, disrespect. In conclusion, this paper shows that spirituality of friendship in Mark Vernon is a transformative force towards reshaping family bonds and restoring the dignity of friendship in the larger society, hence this model of friendship is highly recommended both to families and the larger society.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Arts > Faculty of Law > Faculty of Management and Social Sciences > Faculty of Education
Depositing User: mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited: 11 Sep 2025 15:29
Last Modified: 11 Sep 2025 15:29
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5508

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