Adopted children have more emotional and learning problems than occur in the general population. In spite of this, most adopted children have happy childhoods and grow up to be well-adjusted adults. The child's environment consists of many influences that combine to affect the course of development. These factors include family, friends, school experiences, and society in general. The social systems perspective views the family as a complex system in which the behaviors of each family member affect those of other family members.
Family members can affect one another directly and indirectly.
In indirect influences, a third party can support or undermine other family relationships. The family is a dynamic, ever-changing system that can be modified by important life events. The developmental status of each family member and the historical time period also contribute to a dynamic family system. These differences may be attributed both to varying life conditions and to differing educational levels between the social classes. Lower-class parents value external characteristics such as obedience and neatness and are more restrictive in interactions with their children.