Term Paper
Theories of Family Relations
Systems Theory
David Comp
1. Assumptions 1. The actions of one family member have an affect on other family members. This is due to the fact that families operate as a group or unit and that all of the members are interconnected. The manner in which an individual behaves is directly influenced by their family. People are individuals but they are also a part of their families in some way. Individuals do not live in isolation, they are part of family system. Basically, all parts of the family system are interconnected and affect the each other. 2. Understanding individual behavior is only possible by studying the whole family, group and/or system. Since individuals are interconnected with their family members we can understand their behaviors by studying the other members of the family. It is best to take a holistic approach to understanding individual behaviors. This holistic approach is accomplished by looking at the family and how its members interrelate as a whole. 3. All systems affect their environment and, alternately, these systems are effected by their environment. This assumption is based on the concept of feedback. All systems have a form of feedback in their operations. When systems receive feedback they are able to use it to make or not make changes within their own system. This assumption is very similar to the assumption that all families are interconnected.
2. Concepts
1. Feedback: Feedback is also an assumption of systems theory. Feedback is the concept that systems have an affect on their environment and vice versa. Systems make change based on the positive feedback the receive from other systems in their environment.
Feedback that promotes change is known as positive feedback. Negative feedback is intended to maintain the status quo and limit change.
2. Interdependence of parts: Interdependence of parts is the concept that parts of a system are interconnected so that if one part of a system changes
Systems Theory
David Comp
1. Assumptions 1. The actions of one family member have an affect on other family members. This is due to the fact that families operate as a group or unit and that all of the members are interconnected. The manner in which an individual behaves is directly influenced by their family. People are individuals but they are also a part of their families in some way. Individuals do not live in isolation, they are part of family system. Basically, all parts of the family system are interconnected and affect the each other. 2. Understanding individual behavior is only possible by studying the whole family, group and/or system. Since individuals are interconnected with their family members we can understand their behaviors by studying the other members of the family. It is best to take a holistic approach to understanding individual behaviors. This holistic approach is accomplished by looking at the family and how its members interrelate as a whole. 3. All systems affect their environment and, alternately, these systems are effected by their environment. This assumption is based on the concept of feedback. All systems have a form of feedback in their operations. When systems receive feedback they are able to use it to make or not make changes within their own system. This assumption is very similar to the assumption that all families are interconnected.
2. Concepts
1. Feedback: Feedback is also an assumption of systems theory. Feedback is the concept that systems have an affect on their environment and vice versa. Systems make change based on the positive feedback the receive from other systems in their environment.
Feedback that promotes change is known as positive feedback. Negative feedback is intended to maintain the status quo and limit change.
2. Interdependence of parts: Interdependence of parts is the concept that parts of a system are interconnected so that if one part of a system changes
References: Burr, W.R. Using theories in family science. Chapter 5. pp. 73-88 (class handout). Klein, D.M., & White, J.M. (1996). Family theories: An introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Olson, D.H., & DeFrain, J. (1997). Marriage and the family: Diversity and strengths. (2nd ed.) Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company. Tan, G.G., Ray, M.P., & Cate, R. (1991). Migrant farm child abuse and neglect within an ecosystem framework. Family Relations 40, 84-89. Walsh, F. (1993). Conceptualization of normal family processes. In F. Walsh (Ed.) Normal Family Processes (2nd ed.) (pp. 3-69). New York: The Guilford Press.