The content of the situation is more important in the choice of courses of action than the pressures of either parents or peers, and parent peer orientations have a systematic, but minimal influence, on choice. (Author)

Develops a detailed profile of dysfunction and disablement in the open family system: its intrinsic defects, response to crisis, and likely process of breakdown when overstressed. Suggests that somatic symptoms of stress in children may grow out of accelerated independence combined with parental overinvolvement. (JAC)

Conclusions in the area of family sociology are difficult to draw, primarily because of methodological shortcomings. Theories will not become more valid until methodology can include the detailed study of all aspects of power from the point of view of all family members. An extensive review of the literature forms the body of this article.…