... a system of unequal statuses, a hierarchy in which the order of priority is men/women, adults/children" (Skolnick, 1978, pp.64-71, 86). In addition, "the family is envisioned as a system of perfectly interlocking needs" (Skolnick, 1978, pp.64-71, 86) and these needs can oppress or help individuals within a family system. In addition, "the nuclear family is essentially a product of the extremely long period of dependency of the young" (Gilding, 1997, p.3). This means, women feel they need to stay in an oppressing family for the benefit of their children and their peace of mind. Furthermore, motherhood is "an institution which aims at ensuring that potential - and all women - shall remain under male control" (Eisenstein, 1977, p.13), eg: domestic control through childbirth. There is much conflict and oppression to endure in families; this may "take the form of crude physical coercion, as in spouse assault and child abuse" (Gilding, 1997, ...

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