Bowen's Theory of Emotional Process in Society

Observing Patterns of Societal Regression and Emotional Progression

Jun 13, 2009

Individual and family anxiety is sometimes reflected in society, and it can inform one's behavior and increase responsibility for self.

Some believe the increase in population during preceding decades has produced a rise in anxiety at the societal level. What can be called the "forces of togetherness" and the "forces of individuation" are constantly at odds. According to Bowen family systems theory, the greater the level of anxiety, the more togetherness erodes individual thinking.

Bowen's Theory of Societal Regression

In 1974, Dr. Murray Bowen introduced the concept of emotional process in society, or "societal regression," as one of the eight concepts of Bowen theory.

Dr. Bowen had many thoughts related to society and the role anxiety plays. "It is my working assumption," he wrote, "that the anxiety is related to population explosion and the rapid depletion of the earth's raw materials that threaten continuation of life on the planet in the style to which the human has been accustomed."

Roots of Regression

National and international anxiety may have many causes. Roberta Gilbert, M.D., mentions several, including "Overcrowding (especially in the cities), fear of annihilation by weapons of mass destruction, economic inequalities, economic ebbs and flows, loss of moral principles, diverse cultures trying to live together," along with others that she thinks are contributing to regressing behavior in society.

Dr. Bowen had further observations regarding the periods of progression: "From the studies of the 1972-73 period, it was clear to me that we have been in a massive regression that began in the mid-1960s. There have been only brief periods of calm followed by brief periods of 'progression.' The regressive pattern is identical to that in regressing families on their way to psychosis and functional collapse."

Evidently, Bowen, although writing in 1979, believed that society was moving backward in terms of its behavioral characteristics.

Differentiation of Self and Society

Arguably the most important concept in Bowen family systems theory is the differentiation of self. If the functional level of differentiation in society has decreased over time, it is likely that there is much work to be done on the part of individuals everywhere to increase their level of self-directed functioning and sense of responsibility.

Regression and Primate Communities

Jane Goodall, Ph.D., came to an interesting conclusion after many years of observing chimps in the wild: "I had learned that the apes show similar postures and gestures to ours when they are angry - swaggering, scowling, hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, pulling out hair, chasing. They hurl rocks and sticks. Without a doubt, if chimpanzees had guns and knives and knew how to handle them, they would use them as humans do."

Hope For the Future

If one can believe that societal regression (with its intervals of progression) is a reality, then believing in the individual's ability to differentiate self for the good of the group, community, and society is a positive step forward. Many family systems theory clinicians think that society is more anxious. They also theorize that anxiety is infectious. They conclude, therefore, that families and individuals are more anxious. When those concepts can be grasped, people can learn to become more effective and responsible.

The copyright of the article Bowen's Theory of Emotional Process in Society in Personality/Anxiety/Mood Disorders is owned by Bryan Jackson. Permission to republish Bowen's Theory of Emotional Process in Society in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.