Week 2:

In class we have been discussing and learning more about the four different theories within social sciences. The theory I prefer the most is the family systems theory. The definition from the book says "systems theory asserts that the intimate group must be analyzed as a whole; the group has boundaries that distinguish it from other groups. Thus, particular people form the system and have particular rules and roles that apply to their system. Furthermore, the group is composed of interrelated parts (individuals). That is, the parts are not independent but influence each other and work together in such a way that the system tends to be maintained; outside influences generally cause minimal change."

I continued to look online for an easier definition to understand and Dr. Murray Bowen said this, "a family is a system in which each member had a role to play and rules to respect. Members of the system are expected to respond to each other in a certain way according to their role, which is determined by relationship agreements. Within the boundaries of the system, patterns develop as certain family member's behavior is caused by and causes other family member's behaviors in predictable ways."

One assignment we had this week was to think of my "family rules" that were never actually discussed and displayed. One of the many rules I thought of was since I was the first/oldest child, I had a responsibility to maintain some peace between me and my siblings, help with the other kids, and help around the house. My parents never said specifically that these were my "jobs," it was just known. 

I think this example Dr. Murray Bowen gave is a perfect way of explaining this. "If a husband is depressive and cannot pull himself together, the wife may need to take up more responsibilities to pick up the slack. The change in roles may maintain the stability in the relationship, but it may also push the family towards a different equilibrium. This new equilibrium may lead to dysfunction as the wife may not be able to maintain this overachieving role over a long period of time."

The family is vital to the plan of happiness and I am learning how important it is to consciously think about my relationships within my own family. It is important to look at our own family systems and realize what we can improve on so that we can continue to strengthen our families.