
Appendix
"H": Relationships
Please Note: Establishing, and maintaining,
satisfactory inter-personal relationships was a very important element of this
television program. The most important relationship being that between husband
and wife. In the course of viewing these programs, it became apparent that Ward
and June had clearly defined roles in terms of providing parental guidance to
their offspring. In their relationship it was usually June who identified
troublesome situations and brought them to Ward's attention. Ward was then
expected to deliver the advice, or discipline, necessary to resolve the
situation. While both parents had the same aspirations in terms of providing a
proper upbringing, there were occasions where they had differing points of view
regarding the proper course to follow to achieve the anticipate results. This
chart is intended to show the frequency with which situations were identified by
a specific partner; which parent administered the advice/discipline; the degree
of consensus and also, which parental viewpoint prevailed when Ward and June had
a difference of opinion.
Legend
Situation Identified: This indicates
who identified the problem, or had the situation requiring parental input
brought to their attention. (W & J) indicates the problem was presented to
both parents simultaneously.)
Disciplinarian: This indicates who
delivered the lecture, or imposed the punishment when the boys misbehaved.
Solution Adopted: This category shows
which parental opinion prevailed when Ward and June had a difference of opinion.
Note: If there was not difference of opinion,
the following is recorded in the "Solution Adopted" column.
N/A - 1: No difference of opinion
between Ward and June.
N/A - 2: The problem was resolved by
outside forces. As an example, in episode 006 "Part-Time Genius", Ward
and June had different opinions about letting Beaver attend school for
exceptional children. However, the matter was resolved for them when they
learned the I.Q. test results belonged to another student.
N/A - 3: Only one parent involved.
There were only a few programs in which Ward and June were left to their own
devices to solve problems. As examples, in episode 012 "Beaver's Short
Pants", June was out of town helping her sister with a new baby, and in
episode 156, "Substitute Father", Ward was away on a business trip.