Individually defined operating structure of marriage

The operating structures of contemporary marriage are defined from an individualistic perspective. When the family becomes dysfunctional or a member of the family is in trouble it is assumed that there is an individual who is responsible rather than a family structure that is responsible. There are few if any symbols of family unity, few rites rehearsing the integrity of the family unit. In fact most of the symbols and images related to the family in society at large point to either its breakup, its incapacity to function effectively or place it in a unrealistic social setting.