Sociology

Cheaper by the Dozen A Movie Review Using Family Systems Concepts

The central thesis and roadmap of this paper lies in showing the unique manner by which the movie Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) exemplifies and manifests the basic concepts found in the theory of family systems a notion chiefly propounded by notable social thinkers. As such, the nature of this paper transcends that of a typical movie review, in that the paradigm offered by the theory of family systems would be adopted as the specific lens into which Cheaper by the Dozen would be evaluated. Observations would be leveled in respect to different relational systems and subsystems portrayed in the movie. Specific attention, however, would be made pertinent to the existing parent-child system discernible in the movie characterization and plot. It is hoped that the paper would be able to show how that concepts in the theories behind parent-child system is applicable in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen.

Brief Summary of the Plot
Cheaper by the Dozen is a family-oriented movie adaptation of the novel (by the same title) which portrays a married couple  played by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt  who, in what appears to be a rather peculiar leaning family size, have decided to raise 12 children on their own. Tom Welling, Piper Perabo and Hilary Duff were among the star-studded cast portraying how life, as children, revolves within the Baker household. Immediately, viewers are made to appreciate the adequate portrayal of the ups and downs inherent in having an unusually big family. The plot thickens when, in pursuing an invitation act as head coach of a local college football team, Steve Martin, in consultation with his wife and children, decided to move from their a small-town Illinois home to the city (Cheaper by the Dozen, 2010). This is on top of Bonnie Hunts impending book launch which would require her to leave home momentarily. Therein, conflicts and relational conflicts became inevitable a scene that is wrought by the parents evident inability to personally oversee the tasks of parenthood, specifically in view of the fulfilling the needs of their little children. The movie ends in a heartwarming resolution of conflicts, leaving the audience in a feel-good mood after all.

Parent-Child Subsystem under the Lenses of Family Systems Theory
As hinted hereinabove, this paper will focus on unraveling the intricacies involved in the parent-child subsystem palpable in the movie. For purposes of limitation, this paper will zero in on at least three chief components present in the parent-child subsystem (1) lifecycle transitions, (2) boundaries and (3) parental hierarchy and power.

First, one may take good notice of the fact that the movie Cheaper by the Dozen portrays relatively well the different lifecycles which families are undergoing. By lifecycles, one takes the concept to imply that, according to Carter and McGoldrick (1988), families undergo progressing phases of different lifecycles akin to the theory of Erik Ericksons Lifespan Development. This further connotes the idea that families undergo transitions characterized by expansion, contraction, and realignment of the relationship system to support the entry, exit, and development of family members in a functional way (Carter and McGoldrick, 1988, p. 16).  Carter and McGoldrick further delineate their proposed family lifecycle continuum into six distinct phases (1) the unattached young adults, (2) joining of families through marriage, (3) the family with young children, (4) the family with adolescents, (5) launching children and moving on, and (6) the family in later life (cited in Coady  Lehman, 2008, p. 127).

What is interesting about Cheaper by the Dozen is that, while under normal circumstances, when there are only 4 or 5 persons comprising a family, and there is a tendency to experience family lifecycle only in incremental phases, the movie portrays such lifecycles in a comprehensive manner. This means that audience can easily discern the different lifecycles present in the Baker household at once i.e., the member of the family are undergoing different lifecycle stages at the same time. For instance, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunts older siblings represent those in the stage of unattached adults. Piper Perabo, in particular, plays an early mid-20 lady who has decided to move on and live with her partner in the person of Ashton Kutcher. Meanwhile, the presence of adolescents and little children within the household strongly suggests that the family undergoes lifecycle stages 3 and 4 of concurrently. That being said, what proves to be critical importance for this paper lies in arguing that the movie was able to successfully portray the couples admirable adjustment of their parent-child relations, in view of and in deference to the different lifecycles of their children.

Second, there are reasonable merits to say that Cheaper by the Dozen showed, in a manner being unique and understandable, the concept of boundaries operating in nearly all family systems. Boundaries, as the term suggests, pertain to the rules that determine who participates in a subsystem and how he or she participates therein (Mullis  Edwards, 2001, n.p). A boundary denotes limit and limit that must be observed in order to preserve the proper functions operative in a family system.

Mullis and Edwards (2001) further suggest that families must maintain a respectable level of clear boundaries because clear boundaries not only allow family members to be different from each other and to develop autonomy, but also allow contact, nurturing, and support among family members (Mullis  Edwards, 2001, n.p.).

The concept of boundaries could not have been more clearly set in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen than in the scene where Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt were in the process of deliberating domicile transfer. To soften the impact of sudden change of domicile, the couples decided to talk to their children about it. At one point, Martin is seen in the movie engaging in fierce arguments with his children over the possibility of transferring to the city. He finds himself deserted after the heated conversation turned into vote, where all the children, except for twin toddlers, disagreed to the plan. Boundaries were clearly set however when, in the privacy of their room, the couples decided with finality in favor of transferring to the city. Here therefore, one can clearly see that, on account of boundaries defining parent-child system, the deliberative power to decide on family matters belong to the parents, and that children, however fierce they may assert of their opinions, cannot impinge upon the same kind of authority towards parents.

Third, and in relation to the foregoing, it would be plain to argue that the concepts of parental hierarchy and power developed into an increasing conspicuousness towards the end of Cheaper by the Dozen. Parental hierarchy is an elemental concept which defines parent-child subsystem in the family. Whereas boundaries pertain to the limits of relational interdependence between parents and children, parental hierarchy is, on the other hand, chiefly concerned about the locus of decision-making authority exercised within that same parent-child subsystem. Mullis and Edward maintain that parental hierarchy is really about leadership exercised within the parent-child subsystem or, in cases where parents are unavailable, between elder-siblings and younger-siblings subsystems. Be that as it may, the authors believe that, in order that proper functions may be effectively discharged, families are necessitated to determine who is the ultimate decision maker within their system (2001, n.p.).

The Baker household unraveled immediately after transferring to their new home. This was, as mentioned, aggravated by the fact that Bonnie Hunt had to leave home for some weeks to launch her book. Children figuring into petty fights and pre-meditated mischievousness, as well as the fathers inability to instill disciple to his children because of the tasking nature of his job, highlighted the increasingly dysfunctional family type which marked the Baker household. The solution is to reassert parental authority. And while it may not be as easy to do as it sounds, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunts judicious reassertion of their parental authority into the parent-child subsystem of their household  by instilling discipline, respect for rules, handing down punishments for naughtiness, among others  helped restore order back to the family.

Conclusion
Having developed the foregoing discussions, I therefore end this paper with an affirmation that the movie Cheaper by the Dozen was able to sufficiently depict  in concrete terms  the concepts family lifecycle, boundaries and parental authority as operative in the parent-child subsystem within the Baker household. Surely, there were scenes in the movie which were deemed indicative of the three aspects. First, the movie was able to show that Mr. and Mrs. Baker handled the parent-child subsystem relative to their childrens age bracket quite well. Second, it was also noted that boundaries between parents and children were also observed most notably, perhaps, in how the Mr. and Mrs. Baker took upon themselves the burden of deciding to change domicile, without untoward intrusion of roles from their otherwise disenchanted children, even when some of them were already at an advanced age of reason. Third and lastly, the presence of parental authority can be considered a recurring theme in the movie even if it became evident towards the end of the movie.

As a parting thought, I believe that this exercise has enabled me to appreciate more and more the uniqueness of each family, by seeing the lessons of family systems applied in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen. I realized that each family is a concrete expression of the family systems which work just fine for them. And that no matter how difficult family situations may from time to time become, I believe that there is always a room to mend all differences when there is a bond of compassion and love, as well as willingness to understand one another.