Child Welfare Licence (CWEL) Practice Exam

What characteristic of family systems involves defined roles for members?

1. Structure and Hierarchy

2. Powerful Rules of Conduct

3. Set of Politics

4. Boundaries

The correct answer is: Structure and Hierarchy

The characteristic of family systems that involves defined roles for members is primarily focused on the structure and hierarchy present within the family. In a family system, structure refers to the organization of the family, including the arrangement of roles, responsibilities, and relationships among the members. Each member typically has specific expectations and functions that contribute to the overall dynamic of the family. Hierarchy relates to the levels of authority and influence among family members, often dictating how decisions are made and how power is distributed. For instance, parents may have more authority, while children have defined roles that align with their developmental stages. This clear delineation of roles helps maintain order and stability within the family, as each member understands their position and responsibilities within the broader family context. By contrast, while powerful rules of conduct, politics, and boundaries play significant roles in family dynamics, they do not specifically highlight the defined roles of members. Powerful rules of conduct pertain to the expectations for behavior and interaction within the family, politics may involve the negotiation of power and influence, and boundaries define the limits and space between family members. However, none of these options inherently encapsulate the concept of defined roles as effectively as structure and hierarchy do.