Structural Family Theory & Violent Children

"Structural family theory" is a phrase coined by Salvador Minuchin in the 1960s. It refers to the organization of a family unit and how each member relates to the others. This is especially pertinent in families that deal with violent children.

  1. Subsystems

    • There are four subsystems within a family group: spousal, parental, parent/child and sibling. The theory explores such anomalies as to how each person relates and reacts within each subsystem, as each individual exhibits different characteristics in a certain relationship.

    Hierarchy

    • Minuchin saw clear-cut parenting objectives imposed when a chain of command was firmly established. In other words, children were subjected to discipline and the family structure maintained its viability by having these imposed guidelines.

    Boundaries

    • Boundaries, too, helped the family unit maintain its purpose and direction. Alliances, other than between two parents, were not tolerated. Parents pulled together to create order and obedience.

    Dysfunction

    • Dysfunction occurs primarily because of lack of boundaries and the creation of unhealthy alliances within the family. Dysfunction can be a mere blip on the screen, or it can escalate into violence.

    Violence

    • Why does dysfunction escalate? In many cases, the lack of boundaries and the unordered alliances that occur create more stress and less accountability. This holds for children as well as adults. Further, children imitate things to which they are exposed.

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