Case Description and Theoretical Analysis of Tracy

At the start of the semester we learned that one’s environment influences how they behave. Through the variety of dimensions listed in the multidimensional framework, we learned that “people confront biophysical, psychological and social demands that require effective human responses (Ashford & LeCroy, 2010, p.9)”. Through Erikson’s psychosocial theory we learned that there are several stages during one’s development must be completed in order to move on to the other stage. That is that each individual must master the first stage and all its tasks in order to proceed to the next stage. Failure to master the stage and its tasks determines how they will succeed in the next stage. For example, Raul Salazar, a case study listed in the text, entails a story of a boy in the fourth grade, who due to his chaotic environment is unable to thrive in his environment. An anxiety disorder that could have either been passed down from his mother or created directly from his social environment, has affected his social functioning. Due to his anxious nature Raul, was labeled as having a learning disability.

The Ecological Systems Theory applies to different aspects of the lifespan due to the ability to apply the five systems continuously throughout the life span. The chronosystem can transition and change within one’s life. The macrosytem can align with infancy, this system setting examines the culture of the individual. The exosystem can align with childhood into adolescent stages due to this systems connection with forming healthy attachments. The mesosystem aligns with relationships throughout life and peer interaction, this can take place in adolescence and continue throughout adulthood and change based on experiences, in which the individuals Microsystem evolves (Wong, Hall, Justice & Hernandez, 2015, p. 32-33).

One of the strengths of Functional-structural perspective is positive about society. The theorists believe that the family

The Structural functional theory is focused on the gender roles of a family. The female is the homemaker

‘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.

The nature of my research walks a fine line between structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism. Because my research focuses more closely on how the individual has been affected by divorce, I would say that my research would be best understood through the lens of symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism, “asserts that interaction and meaning are central to society and assumes that meanings are not inherent but are created through interaction” (Ferris and Stein 35). I wanted to my research to focus on how the mother and her children felt that divorce had impacted them personally, and how it affected their worldview and who they are. All of these things are rooted in meanings created by an individual and will vary from person

Systems theory describes a set of interrelated parts, comprising a functional whole. According to this theory, social systems construct society rather than individuals (Luhmann, Gilgen, & Mitchell, 2012). The theory provides a framework for understanding human existence and recognizes the transactional nature of human life within physical and social environments. This theory could aid in analyzing the interconnected parts that may have stifled an individual’s growth, adaptation, and their pursuit of goals.

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).

Comparing Bowen’s family systems theory and Minuchin’s structural family theory we will outline several fundamental categories for analysis with Goldenberg & Goldenberg (2012) as our guide. We also contrast the history and theoretical orientation of both men to garner a deeper understanding of their theories. Finally we will consider integrating elements of both theories and how this makes us more effective practitioners.

As the father of modern family studies, Whittaker, J. K. and J. Garbarino. (1983) observed, 'We know too much about the family to be able to study it both objectively and easily 'Some family needs could be considered as being met through a combination of expressive and instrumental functions, such as child care, and health-related supports. This applies on both Case Studies.

The Bowen family systems theory can utilize to understand the Gillison’s family dynamics. According to the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family (2016) the Bowen family system theory views family as an emotional unit that utilizes systems thinking to comprehend the complexity of the interactions within the unit. The theory describes families as having a major influence on their member’s thoughts, feelings and actions, which leads them to feel as if they are composed of the same “emotional skin”. The members of families, according to this theory, are driven by each other’s attention, approval, and support. The members therefore, react to each other’s expectations and wants and needs. The family is therefore interdependent. One change in one member’s function leads to a change in the functioning of the others. This is evidence in the case of the Gillison family.

This essay will assess how functionalists view point of the family by exploring Murdock, Comte, Parsons and Durkheim, the founder of functionalism, ideas and evaluating them.

In system theory, behaviors and family members responses influence the family pattern and life. Meanings and values are vital components of the

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

This family is a representation of the Structural Functionalism Theory. Talcott Parsons the lead thinker, said that behavior is driven by the efforts to conform the moral code of society. The major purpose is to constrain human behavior in ways that promote common good. Structural Functional theory major goal is survival. In order for the family to survive the subsystems must function in ways that can help them maintain society?