Definition extracted with permission from Simon, Fritz, et al, Family Process, Inc.: Language of Family Therapy: A Systemic Vocabulary and Source Book (Family Process Press Series)
Living systems are able to develop a certain independence from their environment. The behavior of living systems is to a variable degree internally or externally controlled. The concept of autonomy or emancipation (be it of an individual or of a family) must encompass this aspect of constant interaction with the environment. From a systems point of view, autonomy or emancipation can be seen as an aspect of self-organization.
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