Family as Social System

As a social system, the family is viewed as an entity that consists of various interrelated parts (or statuses) that perform particular functions (roles).

The family as a system is part of a larger system (society) and contributes to the functioning of society.

WITHIN THE FAMILY SYSTEM:

the statuses and roles interact with one another to form a system of relations amongst the members who hold a specific status and perform a specified role.

The operation of the family system is dependent upon the effectiveness of these status-role interactions

OUTSIDE THE FAMILY SYSTEM:

The larger Societal System is dependent upon the effectiveness, and contributions, of the Family System