Current theory, concepts and principles of the family in context of today's society

Introduction

 The emergence of theories of family played a significant role in family and marriage and which provides a wide approach of understanding the major aspects of family membership, quality of life and even sense of competence in an individual. The General System Theory, Psychodynamic theory, Trans-generational theories and structural theory and other theories established various principles and concepts on the family as a unity and within the community.  These aspects are important in looking into Monica’s case and understanding the challenges she and her family are experiencing.

General System Theory

The General System Theory holds that some social problems and human experiences could be perceived as systems, and looked into how the entire societies were functioned and organized as more than just a total of different human parts. The theory does not involve perceiving individuals as larger structures’ members such as couples, parents and children as aspects of a wider dynamic order but as a way of avoiding perceiving people as just a sum of different impulses like desire, thirst and hunger. Every person can be seen as a personality system that is active (Walsh et al.2017).

Family System Theory

Family system theory argues that it is not possible to understand people separate from one another, but instead as part of their own family which is usually an emotional unit. The family systems involve interdependent and interconnected individuals who cannot be understood while isolated from such a system. The family system involves every member having their roles and respects certain rules, and its expected that all members will respond to one another in a particular way depending on their role as established in relationship agreement. There is a particular behavior of family member with the system , which results from and lead to behavior of other members of the family and may result to a balanced system or a dysfunctional one (Walsh et al.2017).  There are various concepts that characterize the Family System Theory by Bowen and which involves emotional system knowledge and how relations are defined. In these concepts, biological, emotional and environmental impacts are taken into account as a person adapt within the unit over different generations. Differentiation of self is a concept that indicates how individuals cope with various demands in life, and pursue goals ranging from most adaptive to the least adaptive. The variations in such level of adaption is determined by various related factors including the degree of solid self and potion of self that cannot be negotiated in relationships.  The differentiation level means the degree to which an individual may think and even act for self while encountered with issues that are emotionally charged. It also means the extent to which an individual can descent between feelings and thoughts (Walsh et al.2017).

“Triangles” is a concept that forms the basis element in systems of human relationships, where a dyad with two people becomes unstable with increase in anxiety. One or both dyad members bring in a third person for some of the pressure to be released. When anxiety cannot be contained by a system of three people, more people are involved which results to various interlocking triangles (Goldenberg, 2007).  Negative or positive outcomes may result from this depending on reactivity and anxiety are handled by members , where if a person remains calms while in contact emotionally with the others  the systems calms down. With much stress and reactivity, the persons form a triangular position and symptoms are developed. Increased sum of triangles leads to a lead to stabilization of spreading tension. In family therapy, the triangle is used in introduction of a third party, who is neutral and who handle the conflicting sides well (Goldenberg, 2007).

 The concept of nuclear family involves various relationship patterns through which marital conflict, anxiety, one spouse dysfunctional, emotional distance, child impairment and emotional distance  are managed and the source of family problems are governed.  The principle of Family Projection Process highlights how emotional burdens are transmitted to children by a parent, so that such parents may have considerable trouble when a child is separated from them (Goldenberg,2007) .The parent tries to have the child change or ask the expert to fix him or her. Most of the relationship problems that majorly affect the life of a child negatively are increased by the need for approval and attention, difficulty while dealing with ones expectations, blaming others or one and impulsive actions aimed at relieving the present anxiety instead of acting a thoughtful manner and tolerating such anxiety (Goldenberg, 2007). When parents are able to manage their own anxiety and deal with relationship issues, there is an automatic improvement of a child’s functioning. Emotional Cutoff concept holds that people at times deal with unresolved emotional issues with siblings, parents and other members of the family through the reduction or completely removing emotional contact (Goldenberg, 2007). Such a behavior does not resolve anything and there are risks of a new relationship being made too important.  The Societal Emotional Process concept shows how behavior is governed by emotional system at a society level, and in a family and this leads to regressive and progressive periods with a given society (Goldenberg, 2007).

Human Ecology Theory

It views interactions and development as happening in environment system that is nested and which ranges from immediate micro-system such as a parent or child to exo-system that comprises of natural, cultural, global and environment influences on a person and relationships. The basic principle is that change must consider many levels, and will depend on available resources in societal expectations, community, climate and media influence. This is in addition to individual desires and even skills (Peterson & Bush, n.d.).

 Exchange Theory

It involves economic system theories and the basis assumption is that people’s decisions are made on cost-benefit basis perceived from the decision. Individuals attempt to emulate and be close to people with positive attributes or who obtains reward from their dealings. In application to relationships, the theory predicts that peoples commitment to an individual increases once they feel that more benefits are gotten that costs (Peterson & Bush, n.d.).

Family development Theory

The basic principle of this theory is that the ways in which families develop are predictable and the developmental stages experienced can be identified in the process. Even though particular stags are different, it is assumed that majority of families at a specific stage are likely to be similar to others at the phase. The life events of a family are accompanied by some psychological, social and biological influences and which create phases that assist in understating and offering interventions for families (Peterson & Bush, n.d.).

Cognitive-Behavioral Theories

The major concern is on how people perceive issues, including their expectations and attitudes which are connected to behaviors. New actions and skills are taught. Change in behavior is assumed to involve a conscious decision, and which is being controlled by the mind. Attitude change is not sufficient and education process forms part of practicing skills (Peterson & Bush, n.d.).

 Practitioners can utilize these theories, concepts and principles to support families, dealing with mental health issues and behavioral outcomes. The education practitioners have to form partnership with families especially with parents in order to assist them child’s development and learning process. The most important people in early lives of children are parents, given that children come learn about the real world through play activities, routines, conversations with families and parents (Fargion, 2014). Children can also be supported by their parents in home settings, and hence, working in collaboration with parents, practitioners can improve the development and learning of children.  The education and care of a child has conventionally been viewed as a separate entity rather than as an inseparable unit. From the time of birth to reaching adolescence, children require various positive learning experiences that are offered in an environment that loves and secure if their full potential is to be achieved.  Practitioners have to recognize that parents form the family environment in which children get educated and learn to develop long-term relationships (Fargion, 2014).  The practitioner has to have a better understanding of the family setting in which children are brought up and utilize such information to improve the learning experience and reward for the children.  

The partnership with families can assist the child in developing a sense of belonging and identity in such a setting through active engagement with parents and looking into family beliefs, traditions and values and building on them when necessary (Featherstone, Morris, White & White, 2014). In the case of Monica, the practitioner has to work with her so as to provider a positive environment for Kaitlyn her daughter.  The constant fight that Kaitlyn has had with other children and subsequent suspension from school can be attributed to the family setting within which she is brought up.  The partnership with Monica will make her feel respected and valued and this will translate into more involvement in the development and learning of her children.  She will also be comfortable sharing and planning with the practitioner on the learning and development of children.  The knowledge about experience of Kaitlyn outside the home setting will enable her to use the knowledge in supporting her development and learning process.  Such a parent will be able to understand why the involvement in early childhood development, care and education is very important. If children are to obtain optimum emotional, cognitive and social learning, should be involved in a childcare setting, which can best be provided in a family setting (Featherstone, Morris, White & White, 2014). Practitioners will find significant help if the parents are present and while their relationship is good.  This will ensure that a good environment is created even in families since each will bring their competence for child care and education. There is a need for understanding and mutual respect if this is to happen. The best family setting is where the children are provided the opportunity and means to grow psychologically and emotionally strong so that they can handle the life demands including in a learning environment. A social gathering comprising of patents, management and staff, and which allows for trust to be built between practitioners, children and parents will provide the best support to the family (Featherstone, Morris, White & White, 2014).

Research has shown that a public policy of a given nation that relates to children and families welfare and education is connected to its politics, economics and cultural discourse.  The government agenda that is aimed on supporting child development and family wellbeing involves development of policies that affect how public services are provided (Fargion, 2014). This involves issues relating to children care and protection and providing an opportunity for parents to provide the best family settings and care for the children. When the government policies are aimed at highlighting family values mantle and the importance of family, it has to recognize the needs of families in terms of resources and access to quality public services (Fargion, 2014).  As such, government policies that improve the financial security and resources will lead to strong families, while financial stress or inadequate resources can lead to family instability and conflict. The feeling among parents that they cannot fully cater for the needs of their families leads to emotional distress and psychological challenges that will affect the family environment under which children grow.

 Family strengths can be attributed to stable and regular employment and increased income and even fringe benefits that arise from union memberships. The stability is important to provide a family setting in which parents are at ease and can manage to deal with life demands and pressure. The government’s agenda had to provide a way of working with families in the communities to ensure that the services provided are accessible, sustainable and effective. This will lead to creation of a participative environment that is healthy for parents, young people and children. The parents will actively participate in the learning and development of their children if they are relieved of the social and economic anxieties (Featherstone, Morris, White & White, 2014). The provision of social services in way that the families can relate to is important in improving the relationship among family members. The issue of Monica can be addressed through various policies that are aimed at addressing the cause of depression.

 The increased responsibility involved in caring and educating her children on her own could be the source the dissatisfaction with life. An agenda that provides social support for her will go a long way in improving her condition.  The improvement of her social wellbeing will have a bearing on the welfare of her children and especially the behavior of Kaitlyn. To accomplish this, government agenda has to involve the creation of healthy communities and families, which will enhance status and improve the children wellbeing (Cohen & Pulkingham, 2009).  In this case, the public services including health promotion will have to be focused on the needed outcomes. The establishment of a link between policy, services and outcomes is necessary especially at the local level. By establishing policies and social supports that will promote the entire family system approach, improved outcomes for children, parents and even practitioners will be achieved (Cohen & Pulkingham, 2009). The families have to expect that the focus of the services provided will ensure benefits are experienced by the entire family.

References

Peterson, G. W., & Bush, K. R. (n.d.). Handbook of Marriage and the Family [recurso electrónico]. 301-311

Walsh, B. A., Deflorio, L., Burnham, M. M., & Weiser, D. A. (2017). Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies. Psychology Press.   90-99

 

Goldenberg, H. (2007). Family therapy: An Overview. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. 178-180

Fargion, S. (2014). Synergies and tensions in child protection and parent support: Policy lines and practitioners cultures. Child & Family Social Work, 19(1), 24-33.

 

Featherstone, B., Morris, K., White, S., & White, S. (2014). Re-imagining child protection: Towards humane social work with families. Policy Press.

 

Cohen, M. G., & Pulkingham, J. (2009). Public policy for women: The state, income security, and labour market issues. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.  70-72