Mickel Hoback

Structural Family Theory

In reading the chapter this week which covered the structural family theory the text explained how this theory unlike many others does not focus on the emotional lives of the parties involved as much as on the structure of the family. The theory forces the social worker and the families to both become active in their treatment. I liked how it was explained that the therapist does not concentrate so much on the lengthy process of formal information gathering but in turn uses such things as “ice breakers” to make the clients feel more comfortable. In doing this the social worker learns more about the family by observation and a non-threatening interchange.
The structural family theory focuses on things such as the rules, boundaries, and subsystems of a family and recognizes that power imbalances can occur within the family when there is a lack of structure. It went on to explain about subsystem boundaries that are too rigid and can cause some members of the family to become emotionally or physically isolated from others in the family. Disengaged members of the family may not interact with the family as needed causing a disturbance to the overall structure of the family.
We have all seen something on the news or in own lives in which an individual does something out of the ordinary and then several people talk about what a good person this was and they came from a good family. An example that comes to my mind once again is the infamous Menendez brothers who in 1989 killed their wealthy parents in Beverly Hills, California. The brothers grew up in Princeton, New Jersey and attended a prestigious school there and later attended Princeton University. These individuals came from the “good family” we read about in books however the structure of the family structure was beyond repair and no steps were taken to correct it. I believe this theory is an absolute must use with clients even if it is used with another to better treat the client. I would defiantly use this with future clients. It’s been said more than once that what you do tells more about you then what you say and I believe this theory helps to see the things you’re not saying.