Family Systems in the 1970's: Analysis,Policies,and Programs

Abstract

This paper contains a brief review of some of the salient discoveries and theoretical formulations which provide the most powerful explanation of the issues and problems faced by different types of families in their dealings with institutional systems and bureaucratic organizations. Specifically covered are variant family forms; structural properties of kin family systems; family/organizational linkages; major tasks and functions of families; the kin network as a mediating-linking system; and changes in the internal role structure of the fam ily. The second section deals with practical applications, needed policies, programs, and strategies for increasing the level of competence of human service systems to meet the expectations, capabilities, interests, and aspirations of mem bers of variant family forms found in pluralistic societies.