Patriarchy, power, and privilege: a narrative/poststructural view of work with couples

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Family Therapy
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Poststructural and narrative therapy approaches address power and privilege in relationships.
• Patriarchy is identified as a pervasive societal narrative influencing individual and relational behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate how poststructural/narrative therapists work with heterosexual couples using patriarchy as an analytical lens.
• To illustrate therapeutic interventions aimed at fostering preferred relational outcomes.

Main Methods:

• In-depth analysis of therapeutic conversations with couples.
• Therapist interventions focusing on deconstructing patriarchal influences.
• Facilitating the articulation of preferred ways of being in relationships.

Main Results:

• Therapists actively attend to and intervene in couple's conversations through a patriarchal lens.
• Focus shifts from directly challenging patriarchy to cultivating preferred relational practices.
• Clients' self-accounts and relationship narratives are 'thickened,' leading to greater satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Poststructural/narrative therapy offers a framework for couples to navigate and move beyond patriarchal constraints.
• This therapeutic approach enhances clients' agency and promotes more fulfilling relationship experiences.
• Understanding and working with societal narratives like patriarchy is crucial for effective couple's therapy.