Family structures and roles in the United States have evolved markedly over the past 50 years: Women have entered the workforce in large numbers, altering the balance of economic power in households;...

Family structures and roles in the United States have evolved markedly over the past 50 years: Women have entered the workforce in large numbers, altering the balance of economic power in households; lifespans have increased, changing the roles of elders and their adult children; single-parent households have become more common; and gay and lesbian individuals and couples have come out of the closet. How can a deep exploration of family dynamics across several generations (e.g., the construction of a genogram) assist a client in developing insight into her current situation?