Final answer:
The family system theory describes how each family member affects the family dynamic and individual socialization. Members' roles evolve over time and members can influence each other's attitudes, with implications for shaping social and political beliefs and responding to societal changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The family system theory suggests that families operate as units, and changes affecting one member can impact the entire family dynamic. Each member plays specific roles that contribute to the family's functioning and the socialization of individuals. As roles and expectations evolve over time, the interactions within the family adapt correspondingly. For example, the role of a 'good father' has shifted from being primarily a provider of financial security to include fostering emotional well-being and intellectual growth. Furthermore, children can influence parental perspectives, as in the case of environmental attitudes being altered by the activism of a child.
Families are not just recipients of social and political ideologies but are active agents in shaping these beliefs through internal interactions and external engagements with society. The definition of family itself has grown more diverse and can change due to variations in cultural, social, and economic factors. Understanding the impact of family dynamics is crucial, as it affects everything from the political views held by family members to the allocation of resources within the family unit and how families adapt to societal changes like economic conditions and healthcare needs.