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1.6: Family Systems Theory

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    308783
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    When understanding the family, the Family Systems Theory has proven to be very powerful. Family Systems Theory claims that the family is understood best by conceptualizing it as a complex, dynamic, and changing collection of parts, subsystems and family members. Much like a mechanic would interface with the computer system of a broken down car to diagnose which systems are broken (transmission, electric, fuel, etc.) to repair it, a therapist or researcher would interact with family members to diagnose how and where the systems of the family are in need of repair or intervention. Family Systems Theory comes under the Functional Theory umbrella and shares the functional approach of considering the dysfunctions and functions of complex groups and organizations.

    Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Comparing the Three Major Sociological Theories \(^5\)
    Conflict Structural Functionalism Symbolic Interactionism
    Macro Micro Micro
    Inequality lies at the core of society which leads to conflict Uses biological model (society is like a living organism) Society is an ongoing process of many social interactions
    Resources are limited   Interactions based on symbolic context in which they occur
    Power is not evenly distributed Society has interrelated parts Subjective perceptions are critical to how symbols are interpreted
    Competition is inevitable (winners & losers) What are functions or dysfunctions of parts Communications
    Negotiations based on influence, threats, promises, and consensus Society finds balance and is stable Meanings
    Threats and coercion Equilibrium Roles
    Any resource can be used as tool of power or exploitation Society adjusts to maintain balance Self
    War is natural How are parts integrated Reality shaping in self and with others
    Haves and have nots Manifest functions Social construction of reality
    Privileges are protected by haves Latent functions and dysfunctions Thomas Theorem
    Order is challenged by have nots   Definition of situation

    To fully understand what is meant by systems and subsystems look at Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) which depicts Juan and Maria’s extended family system.

    Family diagram showing subsystems: Juan and Maria as a couple, Grandma and Grandpa as another, and Anna as their daughter.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Juan and Maria’s Extended Family System.

    Juan and Maria are a middle-aged couple. Juan is a professor who lives with his parents, his wife's widowed mother, his two children Anna and José, Anna's husband Alma and the 3-month old triplets Anna just delivered. Notice that Maria's father has passed away, so he has an X over his place in this diagram. Because Juan is financially established, he can support the large extended family. This represents a 4-generation complex family system. There are three couples living within this home, Juan and Maria, Grandpa and Grandma, and Alma and Anna. But there are various levels of strain felt by each couple.

    Today multi-generational family systems are becoming more common, but are typically three generations where the married adult child and his or her spouse and children move back home. Juan and Maria raised their two children Anna and José with tremendous support from grandparents. Maria's mother was a college graduate and has been a big help to José who is a sophomore in college and a basketball team member. Juan's mother and father are the oldest family members and are becoming more dependent. Juan's mother requires some daily care from Maria.

    In fact, Maria has the most individual strain of any family member in this family system. Juan and Maria have each felt a strain on their marriage because of the strains that come from each subsystem and family member who depends upon them. They both have in-laws in the house, they both contribute to the care needs of the elderly family members, and they both try to support their son's basketball games and tournaments. But perhaps most stressful is that there are three brand new babies in the house (see Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)).

    Diagram illustrating the strain on Maria from various roles in her life, specifically as a daughter, student, and wife.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Extended Family System Strain on Maria.

    Those new babies have strained the entire family system, but extreme strain lands on Maria because Alma is a second year medical student and spends long hours in class and training. Anna is extremely overwhelmed by bottle-feedings, diapers, and other hands-on baby care demands. So, Maria is supporting both her daughter and three grandsons, but it's overwhelming.

    Maria is the Matriarch of this family system. She simultaneously belongs to the following subsystems, Daughter-Mother; Daughter-in-law-Father \& Mother-in-law; Spousal; Mother-Son; Mother-Daughter; Mother-in-law-Son-in-law; and Grandmother-grandchildren. A large number of subsystems in one's life does not automatically imply strain or stress. By looking at the family as a complex system with interlocking and interdependent subsystems, solutions can be found among the members of the system and subsystems.

    This brings up the issue of boundaries. Boundaries are distinct emotional, psychological, or physical separateness between individuals, roles, and subsystems in the family. Boundaries are crucial to healthy family functioning.


    Footnotes

    5. Prepared by Ron J. Hammond, Ph.D. 2008


    1.6: Family Systems Theory is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.