Societal Regression and Its Effects Upon the Family

22 pages, 2002

A Societal Regression, one of the eight concepts of Bowen family systems theory, describes periods when anxiety mounts and society becomes unstable. Families are affected by the ensuing chaos by themselves becoming less stable. This breakdown of the family, in turn, affects society, in a vicious cycle. What appropriate responses can leaders of the family (parents) make? How can societal leaders respond effectively? Bowen family systems theory provides guidelines to begin to think about these and other questions being asked in the difficult times in which we live.