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Metaphors of Family Systems Theory: Toward New Constructions

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Paul Rosenblatt, Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota has written an exhaustive analysis of the metaphors of family systems theory.

According to Oxford's English Dictionary, a metaphor is defined as "the figure of speech in which a name or descriptive term is transferred to some object different from, but analogous to, that to which it is properly applicable..." Rosenblatt starts out with metaphors that we discussed in class, for example, the family is a river, or the family is a house (pp. 42-47). The river metaphor fits; families are likened unto it since, like a river, families are always changing, both in content, and in direction. Every metaphor, while shedding light and meaning onto that to which it is compared, at the same time, some portion of meaning is obscured, and in pointing that out, Rosenblatt makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of families.

Continuing with the river metaphor, families are not like rivers in that a river can be concretely traced to its sources. Over time, families' sources are lost, for our roots go back into the untraceable mists of time. In drawing our attention both to how metaphors shed light, and how they obscure meaning, Rosenblatt sensitizes us to metaphoric limitation and in some sense, metaphoric obfuscation.

For whatever reason, however, Rosenblatt takes the notion of metaphor, stretching its meaning to the point that it is practically unrecognizable when compared with the Oxford definition. Intuitively, we "get" how a family can be likened unto a river, or a house, or a tapestry, or many other things. But a metaphor of listening (chapter 7)? Of communication pathology (p. 171)? These are not metaphors. One wonders if the appropriate application of "metaphor" was so limited in terms of legitimate content that the author found it necessary to pad his work in order to make it publishable. Appropriate discussion of metaphor was so skinny, and inappropriate use so long-winded, the book ended up being tedious and extremely difficult to complete. This is definitely a one-shot read; this volume will undoubtedly find its way to a used bookstore in the not-too-distant future.

The last reviewer missed the whole point. This book is about "family systems theory," not about "metaphors." The author traces the historical development of family systems theory which is the cornerstone of the revolutionary family thherapy paradigms developed in the 50s and flourished in the 70s and 80s. Howerver, paradigms do change. A newer and more radical "narrative" paradigm is replacing the old family systems framework that is gradually dominating the family therapy field. Anyone interested can go read White & Epston's "Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends" (1990, W. W. Norton) for details. The Rosenblatt's book was written in mid 90s, and the field then was just starting to embrace the narrative approaches. This book took on the seldom taken step to trace and re-examine the theoretical background that governed the family therapy field, and found several distinguishable "metaphors" (or more clearly to say "dominant discourses") that lie behind the writings of early family therapy gurus. Though not a easy read, this book provides a bridge and reflective space for those start to criticize the hegemony of family therapy movement. The readers are advised to have some preliminary understanding of family therapy and systems concepts in advance. Though the author is not obviously favorable to narrative therapy in the writings, he has provided a important stepping stone for those who want to shift from systems thinking to narrative thinking. Contrary to the last reviewer, I think this book should stay on all die-hard family systems therapists's bookshelves!