Which theory emphasizes the impact of societal context on problem dynamics in families?

Which theory emphasizes the impact of societal context on problem dynamics in families?

• A. Systems Theory
• B. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory
• C. Social Constructionism
• D. Behavioral Theory

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is Social Constructionism, as this theory fundamentally addresses how societal context and cultural narratives shape individual and family experiences, influencing the understanding of problems and their solutions. Social Constructionism posits that reality is not fixed but created through social interactions and language, suggesting that families internalize societal norms and values that affect their dynamics and issues. This theoretical approach emphasizes that the meanings families attach to their experiences are influenced by their broader sociocultural environment, including factors such as race, gender, class, and ethnicity. Consequently, when working with families, therapists who adopt this framework actively consider how external societal pressures and cultural narratives contribute to familial issues, enabling them to help clients reconstruct their narratives and find new meanings and solutions. In contrast, Systems Theory focuses on the interrelatedness of family members and how their interactions create patterns and dynamics within the family system; while it acknowledges the impact of external factors, its primary focus remains on the internal dynamics of the family itself. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory largely centers on individual thoughts and behaviors, therapy aiming to change specific cognitive patterns to address dysfunction. Behavioral Theory concentrates on observable behaviors rather than contextual societal influences, emphasizing reinforcement and behavior modification rather than the broader social constructs that Social Constructionism highlights.

The correct answer is Social Constructionism, as this theory fundamentally addresses how societal context and cultural narratives shape individual and family experiences, influencing the understanding of problems and their solutions. Social Constructionism posits that reality is not fixed but created through social interactions and language, suggesting that families internalize societal norms and values that affect their dynamics and issues.

This theoretical approach emphasizes that the meanings families attach to their experiences are influenced by their broader sociocultural environment, including factors such as race, gender, class, and ethnicity. Consequently, when working with families, therapists who adopt this framework actively consider how external societal pressures and cultural narratives contribute to familial issues, enabling them to help clients reconstruct their narratives and find new meanings and solutions.

In contrast, Systems Theory focuses on the interrelatedness of family members and how their interactions create patterns and dynamics within the family system; while it acknowledges the impact of external factors, its primary focus remains on the internal dynamics of the family itself. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory largely centers on individual thoughts and behaviors, therapy aiming to change specific cognitive patterns to address dysfunction. Behavioral Theory concentrates on observable behaviors rather than contextual societal influences, emphasizing reinforcement and behavior modification rather than the broader social constructs that Social Constructionism highlights.