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The article analyzes the American family using six theoretical developments in marriage and family therapy namely systems theory, constructivism, feminism, family resources, narrative metaphor and increased emphasis on qualitative research. A systemic view of families has been the bedrock of family therapy theory since its inception in the 1950s. If one family member changes his/her behavior, the entire family is affected. The U S family generally values independence more than families in other countries. According to feminist theory, a healthy family is one where flexible sex roles are valued and the woman has as much freedom as the man to pursue meaningful work. Family therapies have increasingly emphasized the importance of identifying and building on family strengths. Systems theory reminds that there are reciprocal links between society and the media. Negative and alarmist descriptions often beget more negative and alarmist descriptions as commentators increasingly view family life through these lenses. Feminism, like constructivism, has forced one self to look at one's values not only as individuals and family members, but as participants in larger systems, such as our political structures.