In applying the structural approach to family unit assessment, which step is emphasized?

• A. Consider normal family changes over the lifetime.
• B. Assess both individual members and families as a whole.
• C. Emphasize time and change in the family's membership structure.
• D. Recognize the cluster of expectations or norms for any family member's status position.

Answer: (D)

In the structural approach to family assessment, the focus is on how the family is organized—the boundaries between subsystems, who holds authority, and what is expected of each member. The step that is emphasized is recognizing the cluster of expectations or norms that define each person’s status position within the family. This means mapping out the roles each member is supposed to play (who leads, who follows, who negotiates rules), how rigid or diffuse the boundaries are, and how those expectations guide interactions and behavior. When you identify these status-based norms, you can see how power, hierarchy, and role expectations shape alliance patterns, boundary maintenance, and overall family functioning. While other aspects like developmental changes or evaluating individuals alongside the family can be relevant, the defining feature of the structural approach is understanding the status-position norms that organize the family system.