THE ARABIAN FAMILY IN THE LIGHT OF MINUCHIN'S SYSTEMATIC THEORY: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Abstract

This study set out to analyze Arabian family structure in the light of Minuchin's systematic theory (1974). This theory considers the family as a social system. Based on Minuchin's perspective, researchers have identified three family types for the sake of analysis: Enmeshed, Disengaged and Clear family. The first two types show negative impacts on their members, while the third one has a positive impact. The study has found that the enmeshed type is dominant in Arab society, a fact that reflects various problems, such as escaping to another reality, hyperactivity, deviance, school failure and aggression. It was concluded that the first problem was related to the development of norms within the family development. The second problem was double-bind communication, which produces schizophrenic personality among children. The third problem was caused by the imbalance of power among the members. The fourth problem was marriage stability, in which four categories of marriage were produced. Recommendations and suggestions are offered to enhance the status of the Arabic family.