Final answer:
The reorganization period in the family life cycle model leads to a new state of equilibrium in the family. It involves adapting to changes and establishing new roles and routines after a crisis. This period is seen as critical for family adaptation and successful transition to the next phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the model depicting sequential phases of family functioning following a crisis, the reorganization period results in a new equilibrium or balance in the family structure and functioning. This period is part of the family life cycle, which outlines the set of predictable steps and patterns families experience over time, including various challenges and transitions that families face at different stages.
The reorganization period follows a crisis and is a time when families adapt to changes, seek solutions, and often establish new roles and routines. The success of a family during this period can be measured by how well they adapt to these challenges and transition into a new functional stage. The family life cycle is also recognized as a valuable tool in sociology to study the dynamics of family over time, as well as in consumer and marketing research to determine the needs of families at different stages (Murphy and Staples 1979).
While earlier stage theories of the family life cycle were criticized for being too rigid and not accounting for diversity in family forms and paths, modern approaches embrace a more fluid understanding of the family life course (Strong and DeVault 1992). Today's society acknowledges the variations in how family life develops and is practiced, reflecting changes such as childbearing not always occurring within marriage.