Family Structure Concept
Structure by definition is described as “the arrangement of and relations between … parts or elements of something complex” ("Structure," n.d.). Therefore, we can presume that a family system is indeed a structure for it consists of members bound by biological, social or legal bonds. Furthermore, it is within a family structure that invisible rules organize the interactions of its members (Walsh, 2003; Walsh, 2013). Moreover, as with any structure its maintenance is essential, thus making each member a valuable asset to the intricate charge. There is also the influence of culture, a dynamic deeply ingrained within a family’s structure by way of societal norms or pre-established principles (Connell, 2010; Kin Wai, 1987; …show more content…
Its composing members consist of a married male and female couple along with their three biological children. Though it is naturally assumed that nuclear families encompass more stability, the Clark family’s structure is weak. First and foremost, their dysfunction lies in their inability to equally distribute power (executive authority). The executive authoritarian is a person who holds the most power and thus makes important decisions within a family’s hierarchical structure (Hadfield, 2000; Kin Wai, 1987; Walsh, 2013). In regard to the Clark family, it is obvious that Maria holds the this position for she has the ability to make important decisions, influence the behaviors of other members and thus maintains order within the family. For instance, “as time went on and the children grew, this pattern of Marie calling the shots within the family home while Bob functioned as the breadwinner and handled the family’s finances seemed to work to provide the sense of order and security that both parents wanted” (Case …show more content…
For instance, “Maria believed “the children’s lives [should] be “ordered and secure” and she insisted that the family follow a very set schedule – with dinner, homework, bedtime, etc., all being at certain times and done in particular ways” (Case Study). Children need structure, however there is a fine line between discipline and being overbearing. Bob on the other hand contributes to the dysfunction because he is more concerned with being friends with his children rather than their parent. For example, he was much more comfortable being his children’s buddy and helping them have some fun times away from Marie’s constant vigilance. Had been more involved with the children, more specifically he would have known that his daughter has a serious eating disorder. Nevertheless, this deficiency of connectedness within the parental subsystem shows that the spousal subsystem is especially lacking. To illustrate, “each blamed the other for the problems in their marriage, with Bob turning more and more to work and Marie becoming even more focused on the lives of her children” (Case Study). The state of this system is vital to the wellbeing of the whole structure since children essentially learn from their parents (Hadfield, 2000). To conclude, the nuclear structured Clark family perpetuates dysfunctional patterns that further impair their system. Most of their problems derive from unequal
Structure by definition is described as “the arrangement of and relations between … parts or elements of something complex” ("Structure," n.d.). Therefore, we can presume that a family system is indeed a structure for it consists of members bound by biological, social or legal bonds. Furthermore, it is within a family structure that invisible rules organize the interactions of its members (Walsh, 2003; Walsh, 2013). Moreover, as with any structure its maintenance is essential, thus making each member a valuable asset to the intricate charge. There is also the influence of culture, a dynamic deeply ingrained within a family’s structure by way of societal norms or pre-established principles (Connell, 2010; Kin Wai, 1987; …show more content…
Its composing members consist of a married male and female couple along with their three biological children. Though it is naturally assumed that nuclear families encompass more stability, the Clark family’s structure is weak. First and foremost, their dysfunction lies in their inability to equally distribute power (executive authority). The executive authoritarian is a person who holds the most power and thus makes important decisions within a family’s hierarchical structure (Hadfield, 2000; Kin Wai, 1987; Walsh, 2013). In regard to the Clark family, it is obvious that Maria holds the this position for she has the ability to make important decisions, influence the behaviors of other members and thus maintains order within the family. For instance, “as time went on and the children grew, this pattern of Marie calling the shots within the family home while Bob functioned as the breadwinner and handled the family’s finances seemed to work to provide the sense of order and security that both parents wanted” (Case …show more content…
For instance, “Maria believed “the children’s lives [should] be “ordered and secure” and she insisted that the family follow a very set schedule – with dinner, homework, bedtime, etc., all being at certain times and done in particular ways” (Case Study). Children need structure, however there is a fine line between discipline and being overbearing. Bob on the other hand contributes to the dysfunction because he is more concerned with being friends with his children rather than their parent. For example, he was much more comfortable being his children’s buddy and helping them have some fun times away from Marie’s constant vigilance. Had been more involved with the children, more specifically he would have known that his daughter has a serious eating disorder. Nevertheless, this deficiency of connectedness within the parental subsystem shows that the spousal subsystem is especially lacking. To illustrate, “each blamed the other for the problems in their marriage, with Bob turning more and more to work and Marie becoming even more focused on the lives of her children” (Case Study). The state of this system is vital to the wellbeing of the whole structure since children essentially learn from their parents (Hadfield, 2000). To conclude, the nuclear structured Clark family perpetuates dysfunctional patterns that further impair their system. Most of their problems derive from unequal