About the Spring Conference: Each spring the Center traditionally offers a conference devoted to a single topic which is explored in depth by a number of presenters. The subject of the meeting may be a concept of Bowen theory or an application of theory. DVD recordings of previous Spring conferences are available for purchase on our website.
Conference Overview
It is essential to understand the human’s relationship with the Earth to understand how human societies organize themselves and what happens as increasing societal complexity and increasing divisions of labor create “distance” between the human and the Earth. Bowen family systems theory offers a unique perspective for understanding and describing the human’s complex relationship with the Earth and its effect on human functioning.
Murray Bowen added the concept of Emotional Process in Society to family systems theory. This two-day conference will examine the concept’s contribution to understanding the interrelationships among individual, family and societal functioning and Bowen’s hypotheses about the linkage between human emotional functioning and the human’s relationship with the Earth. The conference, divided into four half day panels, begins with a review of the concept and of the evolution of how human households have functioned in society as units in the procurement and distribution of resources necessary for human survival and well being. Scientists and practitioners of Bowen family systems theory will be speakers.
Conference Contents
Panel 1: Murray Bowen’s Concept of Emotional Process in Society
Panel 2: Living in Groups: Organizing for Success in Procuring & Distributing Resources Necessary to Sustain Life & Well Being
Panel 3: Societal Threats & Challenges; Evidence from Social, Economic & Ecological Disturbances
Panel 4: Responding to and Managing Societal Threats & Challenges.
Each panel will intertwine theory and application in presenting and discussing the scientific foundations linking individual, family and societal functioning. Bowen’s hypotheses about the relationship between societal regression and threats from an increasing human population, depletion of resources, increasing pollution and the increased complexity of economic and technologic changes will be explored.
There will be substantial opportunity to interact with presenters during the panel discussion sessions. Each day will close with a wrap-up of major ideas emerging during the panels and discussions.
Details: Location, registration and other information is pending. To remain updated on this conference and other Center offerings please subscribe to the email newsletter.
