There are a variety of problems that face dysfunctional families today, and none of the situations that cause these problems are ever the same. Each family is unique in its own way, whether it is in size, in affection, having children, having no children, etc. Alcohol can be a strong problem within dysfunctional families. As a problem Alcohol can lead to other problems, abuse, being mental or physical, among other things. Outwardly "My Papa's Waltz" comes off as a good memory to Theodore Roethke, but who knows what other problems could have emerged. Perhaps the next time the Father in the tale could have hurt his son.
             Differences in views and morals can lead to dysfunction in families as well. Such differences are described in Joan Didion's essay "On Going Home." Her husband and she have come from very different backgrounds, thus leading to a dislike of him by members of her family. Her family ties are very tight and though it seems to be implied that they have accepted him in their life, there is constant tension there that leads to misunderstanding based on their varying ideals. To quote Didion "he asks what I have been doing, suggests uneasily that I get out, drive to San Francisco or Berkeley. Instead I drive across the river to a family Graveyard." This shows the difference in the view of family ties that the two have. She is visiting her family in the Central Valley of California, yet he thinks that she should take some time to herself in the city. Her view of taking time to herself is quite different, going to visit a part of her heritage, that being those that had died and been buried in their family graveyard.
             Yet another form of dysfunction that occurs is when it comes to the choice of lifestyles. This is apparent in Terrence McNally's "Andre's Mother." While Cal and his family were very accepting of his Cal and Andre's homosexuality, and they seem to reflect well on their memories of Andre before he died ...