The Theoretical Approach That Best Suites The Family

Family System Theory (FST) is defined as a social unit in which each member of the family cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family (Family System Theory, n.d.). Consequently, In order to be a system, the behavior of each family member should be in a pattern as well as repetitive. However, all family systems are unique; in conjunction with differentiation among individuals in each family. Equilibrium in a family system is maintaining the same patterns and behaviors, disruption results in imbalance. In order to maintain homeostasis each family member must enforce their role.

First, according to Macionis (2004) the term family is defined as a social institution found in all societies that unite people in cooperative groups to oversee the bearing and raising of children. Same author also discusses several theoretical approaches have been identified that identifies the family as a form of social institution and how the family unit interconnect with other social institutions within any given society. According to the Structural-Functional Analysis for example, the family serves as a unit that perform many vital tasks

Structural family therapy is a systems theory and as such, the family is viewed as a system comprised of various subsystems. These subsystems are hierarchically masterminded and exist to support the errands essential for family working. The essential subsystem of the family are spousal, parental, and kin. “The subsystems are characterized by interpersonal

The structural family theory developed by Salvador Minuchin in the 1960’s, used to focus structural change within a dysfunctional family. The purpose of understanding the structure of the family has been to assist in creating a healthy balance within the

(Page 44, online) In both cases these sets of rules provide morality for the characters as well as some direction. The importance of family in shaping an individual can be explained through the sociological functionalist theory. In sociology, family is explained to be an institution, the theory states that “institutions fulfil functional prerequisites and are essential”. It is arguable that family are one of the most important institutions, as individuals often spend the most time at home learning morals and values from their parental figures.

Within this theory it is important to realize as it analyzes a family’s problems, it will give direction as to how the family should navigate and solve the issues they experience daily. Normally, to begin the process of Structural Family therapy is to have an interview with the whole family, in order to have a view of what dynamics play into the center of the family. By using sub-group composition. This way one has the ability to keep very distinct personalities in

Another concept views the Family as a Component of Society, this structural-functional theory addresses the family on a broader scale in terms of their contributions, needs and successes like other social systems (eg., educational and healthcare system (p.90, 2003).

In a sociological perspective, family is interpreted as a social group whose members are bound by legal, biological, or emotional ties or a combination of all three. The sociological theories the connect to this concept are functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionalism. First, functionalism states that the family socializes children, it provides emotional and practical support for its members, and it provides its members with a social identity. Secondly, conflict theory states that members create disagreements, and create emotional support and comfort. Finally, symbolic interactionism claims family members and intimate couples interact on a daily basis. "Families are defined as a relationship by blood, marriage, or affection" (Seccombe 5).

‘The family performs important tasks that contribute to society’s basic needs and helps perpetuate social order.’ (Anthony Giddens 2006 - Page 238) Functionalists believe a family’s paramount purpose is to raise and support their children within society.

According to functionalist sociologists, the family is the main institution of society where primary socialisation of children starts (parents teaching their children norms and values in the society). They also focused on the family in society and for its members. Functionalist sees family as a nuclear family that is the father, mother and their children. They view the nuclear family as the best family structure for modern society and also believe that family best fits industrial society. Parsons and Murdock have a similar view on family. According to G.P Murdock nuclear family is a universal institution and can be divided into four functions. These are reproduction, sexual, education and economic. On the other hand, Parsons believed that there

The discipline of Sociology has long been interested in the study of human behavior. This interest grows from the sociological conception of relationships which distinguish the individual and differentiate him from other members of society. Through the ages, man has been influenced by social interaction and cultural surroundings. Sociologists have also recognized that a social institution consists of a concept and a structure, and that this structure is a framework made up of permanent relationships. The family is a social institution consisting of a certain structure. In earlier times, society defined “families” as “close-knit, internally organized cooperative

Family Structure and Boundaries The Structural Family Theory (Vetere, 2001), consists of structures, subsystems, and boundaries within the family unit. Family boundaries of a subsystem are the rules defining who participates and how, and must be defined well enough to allow subsystem members to carry out their functions without unnecessary interference. In addition, boundaries must allow contact between the members of subsystems, such as spouse subsystems, parental subsystems, and sibling subsystems. In the writer’s immediate family, parental subsystems are presented (mother- children relationship), and sibling subsystems.

Functionalists argue that although the form of families may vary from one human group to another, they are universal in that they fulfill needs basic to every society’s well-being such as economics production, socialization of children, sexual control and reproduction.” (pg 285) Family is of great importance and plays a major role in the socialization of children. It is the responsibility of the parent to teach the child how to function, in doing so there are norms, values, beliefs that are taught and passed along. Sometimes they can vary depending on the culture or religion. For example some norms and values I was taught by my family growing up, that were based on my religion were that girls had to be home at a reasonable time while boys were given a bit more freedom. Another norm and value that I was

For most of us, the family is considered as a well-known and comfortable institution. The perfect model of the ‘ideal’ family is still mostly considered to be consisted from two different sexes’ parents, and one or more children. Until quite recently, the sociology of the family was mostly functionalist and just in the last few decades has been challenged from various directions.

In today’s world, families are dynamic and interdependent systems. The developmental processes of the children in the family are deeply affected by how the family system operates. However, a family’s structure does not determine whether it is a healthy family system or not. Today, families consist of single parents, stepparents, divorced parents, remarried parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They are all able to contribute to a healthy functioning family system by meeting each family member’s needs and encouraging positive communication (Jamiolkowski, 2008). Unhealthy family systems have negative and possibly