ABSTRACT
Structural-functional theory is the native-born son of gestalt theory. Structural-functional theory seeks to overcome the perspective of atomistic, unidimensional interaction by emphasizing the impact of environment upon individuals through social systems in which they are actors. The central issue is how the structure of adult-youth relationships frees, inhibits, or frustrates, the abundant potential energy that adolescents could release for furthering both society's interests and their own. A full discussion of the adult-youth transaction in any social system requires an analysis of all the critical social systems in which the adult functions, since they impinge upon his relationship with the younger generation. In the adult-youth relationship, four key functions are derived that the adult assumes at various stages: custodial, counsellor, nurturer, and friend. The chapter presents the comparison of adult-youth systems in the cottages of a progressive, psychotherapeutically-oriented residential treatment centre.
