STRUCTURALISM & FFF:
A REFLECTION:
Recently, after a phone meeting with a friend, she asked me a question that left me momentarily stumped:
“What is Fathers For Families’” thoughts on the intellectual movement and methodological approach that interprets elements of human culture by examining their relationship to a broader system —
Before you ask, yes, she’s a psychologist/sociologist… and for those wondering, I’m a self-proclaimed normal-ologist.
I told her I’d have to think about it and get back to her… maybe in a year.
Well, it’s been one year and six months now working with Fathers For Families (FFF), which focuses on supporting men to break cycles of family violence, strengthen relationships, and build leadership. So, I thought it was time to finally answer that question.
Here’s my limited research and thoughts — simple but meaningful, so, firstly the question is…
1. What is Structuralism?
Structuralism is a theoretical approach that:
Emphasises that human culture, thought, and behaviour are shaped by underlying structures — such as language, social systems, and cultural codes.
Suggests that individual actions or experiences gain meaning only within the larger systems they belong to.
Originated in linguistics (Ferdinand de Saussure), anthropology (Claude Lévi-Strauss), and later influenced psychology, literary theory, and social sciences.
In short, structuralism focuses on how invisible “systems” or “structures” shape how people think, speak, and act.
2. Structuralism in the Context of Fathers For Families (FFF)
Here’s how structuralism connects to the mahi we do at FFF:
(a) Understanding Violence as Structured, Not Just Individual
Structuralism helps FFF see that violence isn’t merely a matter of individual “bad choices.” Instead, it arises from deeper social structures, including:
Patriarchal norms
Cultural expectations of masculinity
Colonial histories that disrupt identity (especially for Māori and Pasifika men)
Systemic inequalities such as poverty, racism, and intergenerational trauma
Example:
A man’s controlling behaviour isn’t simply “his anger problem.” It’s shaped by wider cultural structures that define men as dominant and women as subordinate.
FFF’s programme design reflects this structural insight by:
Exploring social norms around gender roles
Unpacking the historical impact of colonisation
Connecting personal stories to broader cultural narratives
(b) Language Shapes Reality
Structuralism emphasises that:
Language structures how people perceive reality.
Words and concepts carry “hidden” cultural rules.
In FFF:
Words like mana, whānau, leader, or father have profound cultural meaning.
The language we use in sessions helps men reframe how they see themselves:
From “violent offender” → “father on a healing journey”
From “weakness” → “vulnerability and courage”
FFF’s approach to language helps shift structural narratives that keep harmful behaviours in place.
(c) Revealing Hidden Codes
Structuralism teaches us that cultures have hidden “codes” beneath the surface, for example:
Masculinity = power, stoicism, dominance
Femininity = nurturing, submission
At FFF, we help men:
Identify these hidden codes
Challenge or redefine them — e.g. masculinity as empathy, accountability, and emotional literacy
(d) Structures Create Patterns
Structuralism seeks patterns across:
Individual stories
Cultural myths
Social practices
At FFF:
We collect men’s stories using tools like the Stickman Tool and reflective exercises.
We look for recurring patterns, such as:
“I was taught men shouldn’t cry.”
“I learned love equals control.”
By identifying these patterns, we design interventions that:
Break structural cycles of harm
Replace them with healthier narratives and behaviours
3. Why Structuralism is Useful for FFF
Structuralism is not just academic theory — it’s highly practical for our work. It:
· Moves us away from blaming individuals
- We see men’s harmful behaviours as connected to broader systems.
· Guides our programme design
- We tackle structural issues, not just surface behaviours.
· Empowers transformation
- Men gain insight into hidden structures shaping their thinking, giving them tools to rewrite their own stories.
A Practical Example
Without a structural lens:
“Why did you hit your partner? Let’s work on anger management.”
With a structural lens:
“Let’s explore:
How masculinity was defined in your whānau or culture
How colonisation impacted your identity
How silence about emotions became normal
What new structures you want to build for your family”
Integrating Structuralism into FFF’s Curriculum
At FFF, we integrate structural thinking by:
Teaching men how cultural narratives shape their beliefs about fatherhood and relationships.
Analysing social structures like media portrayals of men.
Using tools such as whakapapa, Te Whare Tapa Whā, and the Stickman model to connect personal experiences to broader systems.
Creating new cultural “codes” for healthy masculinity.
In Essence
Structuralism helps FFF understand and address the invisible structures that underpin violence and disconnection — transforming not just individual men, but the cultural systems that shape them.
“We cannot change men’s behaviour sustainably without understanding and transforming the social, cultural, and relational systems they are part of.”
(And that, finally, is my answer. I’ll be sure to get back to her before another year and six months pass!)