Weaving the Tapestry of Family Scripts

Unraveling the Threads: An Exploration of Family Scripts and Their Influence on Perception, Behavior, and Society

Image by Bing Image Creator

In this piece, I examine the concept of family scripts and how they can be used to understand behaviour. In the supplement, I also add my idea of how they can help understand people’s susceptibility to information warfare and conspiracy theories. However, the article is by no means comprehensive: It does not delve deeply into the intersectionality of race, class, disability, or other myriad factors that forge a person’s identity and susceptibility.

Intersectionality, a term first coined by scholar and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, refers to the overlapping, conjoining, or intersecting of social identities and the related systems of oppression, domination, or discrimination. It’s a framework that recognises the complexity of the human experience and allows for a deeper understanding of how multiple social categories, such as race, gender, socio-economic status, ability, and sexual orientation, interact and contribute to an individual’s lived experiences.

The concept of intersectionality emphasises that these identities are not separate but rather intertwined and mutually reinforcing, influencing one’s perception of the world and interactions with it. Furthermore, it illustrates the complexity of the individual identity that goes beyond the sum of its parts, acknowledging that each person’s experience of discrimination or privilege is unique and shaped by the interplay of their multiple identities.

Consider an individual who is a woman, identifies as part of the LGBTQI+ community, and is from a lower socio-economic background. Her experiences would not simply be the sum of what being a woman is like, to be LGBTQI+, and to be socio-economically disadvantaged. Rather, these identities intersect and interact, creating a unique set of experiences, challenges, and perceptions.

In the context of family scripts, the lens of intersectionality can help unravel the multiple layers of individual and collective experiences. Moreover, it illuminates how family scripts are shaped by and shape multiple identities and their associated societal norms, biases, and privileges. For instance, a person growing up in a family following the ‘Achiever Script’ may experience it differently based on their gender, racial, socio-economic, and other identities. Thus, it’s essential to consider intersectionality when thinking about family scripts to capture the complexity and diversity of human experiences.

For instance, an individual from a lower socio-economic background might perceive the ‘Achiever Script’ differently due to limited access to education and resources, perhaps feeling an even greater pressure to succeed. Likewise, a person with a disability might encounter unique challenges in a family following the ‘Caregiver Script’ due to societal misconceptions and biases about their ability to provide care. Similarly, race can also intersect with various family scripts, with cultural norms playing a role in interpreting and executing these scripts. Nor does it dive into the ever-shifting dynamics of sociocultural norms, the political climate, or access to education, such as the impact of evolving educational policies on the ‘Achiever Script’ or the influence of changing social attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ community on the ‘Coming Out Script.’

When attempting to understand the dynamics of familial behaviour, various frameworks can help comprehend the complex dynamics and complexity of human behaviour within the family structure and as it transcends family into the outside world… However, when looking at any framework, one must take care not to over-generalise: familial dynamics are diverse and vary considerably from one family to the next. Intersectionality is a framework that is useful in understanding the former point.

One caveat is that the list of scripts listed below is not exhaustive — they are there to introduce the concept and demonstrate the framework’s utility.

Family scripts are frameworks that assist in explaining various patterns of behaviour or beliefs transmitted across generations in a family: they are, in effect, multigenerational patterns of behaviour. They serve as shared expectations or guidelines on how individuals within the family should behave or react in certain situations. However, knowing that these specific frameworks are not set in stone, and there is an aspect of ‘colouring outside of the lines and a certain amount of intersectionality among them is important. For example, consider the complications of an LGBTI+ person intersecting with the achiever script regarding societal discrimination and the Black Sheep Script with all that entails.

With the former statements in mind, here are some common family scripts and what they might consist of:

1. The Achiever Script: This framework instils the belief that success is primarily defined by academic or professional achievement. Children growing up with this script may feel great pressure to excel in school or work and may also feel a strong sense of failure when they don’t meet these expectations.
2. The Black Sheep Script: Also known as the Outcast script, refers to a family dynamic where one individual is consistently perceived or treated as different, problematic, or disconnected from the rest of the family. The term “black sheep” originates from the idea of a black sheep being different from the rest of the flock. In this context, the black sheep is often seen as the family member who does not conform to the established family norms or expectations.
3. The Caregiver Script: The Caregiver promotes the concept that a person’s value is based on their ability to care for others. Individuals raised with this script may often put others’ needs ahead of their own and can have difficulty setting personal boundaries.
4. The Scapegoat Script: The Scapegoat often blames one family member for the problems or difficulties within the family. This member often carries the burden of family issues, which can lead to a sense of isolation and low self-esteem.
5. The Clown Script: The Clown uses humour as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult family situations. The individual playing the ‘clown’ might feel pressure to keep the family in good spirits, often to hide their personal feelings or issues.
6. The Peacemaker Script: In the Peacemaker, the individual is responsible for maintaining harmony within the family. This script involves mediating conflicts, often resulting in them neglecting their feelings and needs.
7. The Invisible Child Script: The invisible involves a child feeling overlooked or ignored within the family. This script can lead to feelings of inadequacy and struggles with self-expression.
8. The Rebel Script: The rebel is expected to push against norms, rules, and authority. This script can result in constant conflict within the family but can also serve as a diversion from other family issues.
9. The Responsible One Script: The individual is expected to take on adult commitments from a young age. This script could include caring for younger siblings, doing household chores, or contributing financially.
10. The Hero Script: This script revolves around a family member who is viewed as the ‘golden child’ and is expected to solve family problems or uplift the family’s status. This script can lead to significant pressure and the neglect of personal needs or desires.

These scripts are not exhaustive and vary greatly from one family to another. However, they can shape an individual’s beliefs, behaviours, and approach to relationships and conflicts. It’s also imperative to remember that they are not necessarily negative or positive but can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts depending on the specific dynamics of a family.

LGBTQI+ Specific Scripts

Since the increased mainstream recognition of LGBTQI+ identities, there is a growing understanding of family scripts unique to these experiences. However, the exploration of LGBTQI+ family scripts is still emerging. Here are some scripts that could potentially be recognised:

1. The Coming Out Script: This script can be characterised by the journey of disclosing one’s LGBTQI+ identity to family members. This process could range from acceptance and support to rejection and conflict within the family.
2. The Ally Script: In the ally, family members take on the role of allies, actively supporting and advocating for their LGBTQI+ family members. They engage in learning more about LGBTQI+ issues and contribute to a safe and accepting family environment.
3. The Transition Script: For families with transgender members, this script involves the shared journey of a person’s transition. This journey may include understanding and accepting the individual’s gender identity, supporting them through medical procedures (if chosen), and adapting to name and pronoun changes.
4. The Education Script: Adherence to this script involves family members actively educating themselves about LGBTQI+ identities, issues, and experiences to support their loved ones better.
5. The Resilience Script: This demeanour involves resilience in the face of potential external discrimination or adversity due to an LGBTQI+ family member. The family unit may need to defend their loved one and find strength in each other.
6. The Nontraditional Family Script: This behaviour could be common for families composed of LGBTQI+ members forming their own familial bonds outside of biological or legally recognised ties. The script could involve navigating societal norms and expectations surrounding the concept of ‘family’.

Existing family scripts can also intersect with the experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals. For instance, an ‘Achiever Script’ could be complicated by societal discrimination, causing LGBTQI+ individuals to work harder to prove their worth.

Recognising these scripts is essential for understanding the complexities and diverse experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals and their families. However, as previously implied, these scripts may vary greatly based on the individual family’s dynamics, values, and beliefs. Therefore, it’s also important to consider cultural, religious, and societal contexts when thinking about these scripts: this consideration is where the construct of intersectionality is of particular importance.

Supplement:

An additional application of family script theory, which deviates slightly from my main topic but is particularly interesting to me, involves understanding conspiracy theories, disinformation, and information warfare…

I usually write about Conspiracy theories, disinformation and information warfare in general: Script theory may be useful in conceptualising why some people are susceptible. The following are some of my ideas on how this framework could be useful in thinking about the intersection of life events, family dynamics, socio-political circumstances, and other unstated factors that intersect and foster susceptibility to information warfare.

Conspiracies involve alternative explanations of events or situations that typically involve the notion of hidden, powerful forces working behind the scenes to manipulate outcomes. This type of thinking can be attractive to individuals for various reasons, including psychological, political, and sociocultural factors.

Regarding family scripts, certain patterns might make an individual more susceptible to conspiracy thinking. However, please remember that these possibilities are not definitive.

1. The Rebel Script: Individuals living out the Rebel Script often push against norms, rules, and authority. In doing so, they could be more inclined to distrust mainstream narratives and be drawn towards alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories.
2. The Black Sheep Script: Similar to the Rebel Script, the Black Sheep Script could make an individual more susceptible to conspiracy thinking. If one consistently perceives themselves as an outsider, one might resonate with alternative narratives that challenge the mainstream, possibly as a form of asserting their identity.
3. The Scapegoat Script: Individuals in the Scapegoat Script are often blamed for the problems within the family. This constant blame could lead to a mindset where they perceive invisible forces working against them, aligning with the hidden, manipulative forces often implicated in conspiracy theories.
4. The Invisible Child Script: People living this script may feel overlooked or ignored. Believing in conspiracy theories might be a way for them to feel unique, special, or in possession of exclusive knowledge that others are blind to.
5. The Hero Script: Those living the Hero Script might feel compelled to solve problems or protect others. If they believe a conspiracy poses a threat, they may see themselves as a ‘saviour’ trying to reveal the truth to those around them.

Understanding the inclination towards conspiracy theories through family scripts offers one lens of analysis, but it’s also essential to consider broader sociocultural, political, and psychological contexts. For example, times of societal turmoil, geopolitical upheaval, war, or distrust in institutions can foster a more fertile ground to plant the seeds of conspiracy theories and foster them to take root, regardless of family dynamics. In addition, psychological factors such as a desire for control, understanding, or security can also contribute to the appeal of conspiracy theories.

References:

Byng-Hall, J. (1998). Rewriting family scripts: Improvisation and systems change. Guilford Press.

Atwood, J. D. (Ed.). (1996). Family scripts. Taylor & Francis.

Byng-Hall, J. (1986). Family scripts: A concept which can bridge child psychotherapy and family therapy thinking. Journal of Child Psychotherapy, 12(1), 3–13.

BYNG‐HALL, J. O. H. N. (1988). Scripts and legends in families and family therapy. Family Process, 27(2), 167–179.

Weis, D. L., & Worobey, J. (1991). Sex roles and family scripts in early childhood. Early Child Development and Care, 77(1), 109–114.

Rishky, S. S. (2019). Conservatism in Drag: Safe Saleable Gay Characters in a Progressive Embellishment. University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Ruiz Castro, M., & Holvino, E. (2016). Applying intersectionality in organisations: Inequality markers, cultural scripts and advancement practices in a professional service firm. Gender, Work & Organization, 23(3), 328–347.

Hill, J., Testa, J., Baquet, S., & Muirhead, K. (2021). Implementing a Social Justice Leadership Framework in Career Counseling. The Career Development Quarterly, 69(4), 326.

Intersectionality: A Primer. https://www.gendersecurityproject.com/post/intersectionality-a-primer