Date:1990
Author:Michael White, David Epston
Pages:15
Summary:This chapter discusses the development of social theory and its implications for therapy, focusing on the concept of power. The author reviews the debate in family therapy literature about whether power truly exists or is merely a construct of language. They argue that Foucault offers a way out of this debate. The chapter introduces the "interpretive method" through Bateson's works, emphasizing that all knowledge is interpretive and shaped by our understanding of events. Bateson challenges the linear causal model in social systems, suggesting that our understanding of reality is limited by the context in which we interpret events. The author also highlights the importance of time in therapy, noting that all information is processed as differences and that recognizing these differences is crucial for understanding change.
The chapter explores the application of the interpretive method in family therapy, suggesting that family behavior is not determined by hidden structures but is given meaning through the interpretations of family members. The author discusses the concept of "rituals of transition" and how it can be used to understand crises in a different light, emphasizing growth and transformation rather than regression. Another example is the use of text-based analogies to understand relationship problems, where the initial problematic phase is seen as a transformative phase rather than a failure.
The chapter delves into the idea of "narrative" in understanding and organizing life experiences, drawing on Edward Bruner's work. It argues that narratives shape our lives and relationships, and that the process of storytelling is integral to our self-interpretation and self-construction. The author suggests that narratives are not always fully representative of our experiences, and that some aspects of our lived experience are marginalized or unrepresented in dominant narratives.
Finally, the chapter discusses Foucault's analysis of power and knowledge, arguing that power and knowledge are inseparable. Power is not primarily negative but has positive and constitutive effects, shaping our lives and relationships through normalizing discourses. The author emphasizes the need to study the mechanisms of power and knowledge in everyday life, rather than focusing on external explanations. They conclude by suggesting that therapy can be understood as a form of resistance to dominant discourses and power structures, and that therapists should critically examine their own practices within the broader context of power and knowledge.