Family Boundaries in Transition: A Search for Alternatives

This paper attempts to clarify Minuchin's concept of family boundaries and to modify the original definition to one based on social systems concepts that are neutral with respect to pathology. The authors distinguish between logical and physical conceptualizations of “boundary” and differentiate the broad metaphor of family boundaries into proximity (i.e., interpersonal boundaries) and hierarchy (i.e., generational boundaries). Assuming that the nature of a relationship is reflected by the extent of overlap or sharing of interpersonal territories, Wood () adapted Goffman's () concept of territorial preserve to encompass six types of territories family members may share to a greater or lesser extent, reflecting the family's pattern of proximity. The family's hierarchy is reflected by who is “in charge,” parents or children. We explore the process of boundary reorganization in families in transition, offering a nonstatic and health‐oriented view of boundary permeability. Using the anthropological concept of “rite of passage,” we suggest an alternative view of stressful transitional events such as marriage and divorce. We illustrate with examples the reorganization of proximity and hierarchy that occurs during periods of transition.