Network in Family Systems Theory

Name of Concept

Network in family systems theory

Synonyms

Deep ecology; Network theory

Introduction

Many ancient cultures emphasized that people, animals, plants, etc. were all part of one giant integrated system, “Mother Nature,” “Mother Earth,” or “Gaia.” These ancient beliefs of an integrated world where humans are a part of the larger system have been receiving greater philosophical and research support. One such theory, network theory*, or deep ecology* (Capra 1996), represents a synthesis of systemic ideas from general systems theory, cybernetics, human communication processing model, autopoiesis, physics, and nonlinear mathematics. Capra’s articulation of network theory* holds profound implications for the study of family systems in general, as well as the practice of couple and family therapy.

Theoretical Context for Concept

The evolution of systemic ideas familiar to the CFT field also informed Capra’s ideas. Specifically, Bertalanffy’s general systems theory, Wiener’s...