Norms in Couples and Families

Name of Concept

Norms in couples and families

Introduction

Norms in couples and families include both social expectations and behavior. Family norms, broadly speaking, are social guidelines, expectations, and commonly held rules for the behavior of members of the family (Rodgers and White 2004). Norms also encompass family relationship rules, such that the way in which family members interact with one another is influenced by social expectations and one’s social position. Family norms prescribe preferable and objectionable behavior based on one’s culture and position in the family; norms can be healthy and functional or destructive. Understanding family norms has important clinical implications within case conceptualization and clinical intervention.

Theoretical Context for Concept

Systemic and developmental perspectives provide the theoretical context for norms within couples and families. Through homeostatic mechanisms, ecological influences, and multigenerational processes, commonly...