Family Subsystem Genogram

Introduction

The Buckman family is a seamless illustration of how a multigenerational family is comprised of various subsystems and how each is interconnected. Examining the Buckman family from a systems perspective ameliorates an understanding of familial interactions, norms and expectations which can be deduced through their communication patterns (Edleman & Mandle, 2002). By means of composing a family genogram, information regarding interpersonal relationships and intergenerational patterns may be deduced concerning the channels by which the Buckman family interact within the whole of their family system and within their smaller subsystems.

Wright & Leahey (2000) define a family as "a group of individuals who are bound by strong emotional ties, a sense of belonging, and a passion for being involved in one another's lives". A move in any one individual has the marked ability to undulate throughout the system and influences the whole family. Subsystems are systematized by differentiating the individual members who comprise the smaller interacting family assemblages. Through delineation of family relationships, each subsystem can be viewed through the connections that exist throughout the larger family context.

Delineation of family relationships

The matriarch of the Buckman family is Grandma. Her son Frank is married to Marilyn and they have four children, Helen, Gil, Susan, and Larry. Helen is depicted as divorced with two children, Julie and Gary. Gil is married to Karen and they have three children Kevin, Taylor, and Justin. Susan is married to Nathan and they have one daughter, Patty. Larry is single, but had an affair with a Las Vegas showgirl which produced a son, Cool.

An intergenerational theme coalesced throughout this family unit transpires amid a pattern of dissonance established in recognition of child rearing. Frank demonstrates a distancing from close familial relations to everyone excluding his son Larry and his grandson Cool. He is dispassionate in concern to the lives of his other children and voices a negative concern in regards to his mother. He portrays a distant demeanor.

Grandma (Frank's mother) has a quiet demeanor, yet in times of familial distress she tends to reveal clever elucidations. She allows her family to make their own mistakes without interfering. In a particular scene of obvious angst between Gil and Karen her astuteness is revealed through her proclamation in relation to life;

I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it. I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together!

Marilyn (Frank's wife) is objectified as a quiet caretaker, who does not have a formidable role. She does however demonstrate a subservient nature with respect to her husband and a strong nature to care for Grandma. According to Joan Borysenko (1996), as cited in McGoldrick, Carter, & Petro (2011), Marilyn epitomizes many of the late middle age attributes noted within the individual life cycle context, in particular the acceptance of her limitations and multiple caretaking responsibilities for those above and below her (p. 35).

Helen (Frank & Marilyn's first child) appears to have lost control of her children. Her daughter Julie does not share the same goals and aspirations her mother wishes for her and her son Gary is riddled with self-esteem issues, due to the lack of a male presence.

Gil (Frank & Marilyn's second child) and Karen (Gil's wife) desperately want to be the "perfect" parents, but struggle with everyday problems, such as maladjusted children and work issues. Gil finds juggling work and parenthood to be difficult while Karen lends an ear to the rest of his family's assorted dilemmas.

Susan (Frank & Marilyn's third child) and Nathan (Susan's husband) pride themselves on creating a prodigy, until Susan has a change of heart. She desires more attention from her husband, wants another child, and believes Patty (their daughter) needs more socialization. Nathan is preoccupied with the education and future of Patty. He is also very verbal in regards to his disdain over Susan's siblings parenting styles.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Each nuclear family subsystem of the Buckman family, is riddled by life's challenges, particularly in concern to parenting. Homeostasis is important towards enhancing a stable environment amongst families. Through examination of the Buckman family genogram intergenerational themes, relationship patterns, and life-cycle transitions can be determined. This research is valuable to ascertain a clinical evaluation from a