Structure vs. Function

In class last week we defined structure as how the family is organized and function as how the family works. It was empahsized that function cannot be compared to structure. In other words, a families areas of growths and strengths are not "blamed on" (for lack of better words) structure but function. I think it is important to note the difference. I have been known myself to make assumptions of family behavior based soley on knowing the structure of a family. However, there can be dangers in doing this.
For example, consider our genogram assignment. As I sat in class hearing all the varied structures of family's, I began to make predictions about how that particular family would work. Then I started diagraming my own family and thought about how structure may que misconceptions. It is then that I realized the significance of the function symbols and their importance in describing relationships between people.
Lets look at a divorced couple in which the father remarries and a child would then have a stepmother and step siblings. Its easy to look to an example we are familiar with, like the "Cinderella effect". One may assume that a child of the divorced couple would have a poor relationship with his/her step family and that all step families consist of evil stepsisters! As we all know this is not always true. The child may actually be closer with his or her stepmother than own mother. Note the significance funtion symbols have in this instance.
In a professional sense, I am hoping to become a future teacher. Understanding how each student's family works can be helpful in developing a plan for academic success. However, making assumptions about how a family works based on structure cannot give us real help. My poin t being that just because we know the organization of the family does not mean that we know how that family functions.