Seinfeld Relational Dialectics Theory in Part Explains

Seinfeld

Relational dialectics theory in part explains the success of Seinfeld in capturing the tension inherent in interpersonal relationships. In Seinfeld, humor allows the tension to dissipate. Yet there remains an underlying tension that makes viewers cringe, even as they laugh. The same is true for Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm. In Seinfeld, the titular character Jerry Seinfeld might be the least cringe-worthy of the central foursome. Even slapstick Kramer does little to convey relational dialectics in action. It is really George and Elaine who carry most of the deeper humor in the show, partly because of their relational dialectics. Even Jerry, though, gets involved with romantic partners and thereby exhibits several aspects of relational dialectics theory. George Costanza, though, practically embodies every aspect of relational dialectics in his tension-ridden relationships and conversations.

One of the ways George embodies relational dialectics is his pathological lying, which practically defines his character. George has said things like, "It's not a lie if you believe it." In the "Marine Biologist" episode, George lies about his profession to impress his girlfriend. Because he told his girlfriend he was a marine biologist, he is expected to save the life of a beached whale -- which ironically he does. Also ironic is George's coming clean about his profession, only to get rejected by the girl even after he saved the life of the whale. The episode reveals George's corrupt ethical code; that lying is acceptable if the consequences are acceptable. George's ethics and morals are frequently pit against those of his friends. In one episode, George brags to his girlfriend about his intelligence and she calls his bluff by having him take an Intelligence Quotient/IQ test. George locks himself in a bedroom and asks Elaine to take the test for him, knowing her score will be much higher than his. The girlfriend persists to knock at the locked door while George pretends to be taking the test. Meanwhile, Elaine spills lasagna over the test so that George looks like an absolute fool. The dialectic is simple: George lies to get what he wants and yet he always fails in the end.

George's internal conflicts create a tension that pervades all of his relationships. For instance, he not only lies about being a marine biologist. He also builds up a false persona as an architect named George Van du Lay. George also deftly plays with opposites, a keynote of relationship dialectics theory. In one key episode, George plays with the idea of doing everything the opposite of what he does normally. He was so depressed after a string of relational failures, George figures that he must be completely out of sync with the world. Acting the opposite to what he feels or what he normally does should logically right the situation. And it does: George discovers immediate success as he comes onto women rather than shying away from them. He also lands himself a dream job working for the New York Yankees. George's employment with the Yankees becomes a central theme throughout at least one season of the show. The interactions with his colleagues at the Yankees organization, including George Steinbrenner, also highlight relational dialectics theory.