The Unexpected Resilience of Found Family: How ‘Mom’ Foreshadowed a Growing Social Need
Over 23 million Americans currently live with the lasting impacts of a parent’s substance use disorder, a figure that’s quietly reshaping our understanding of family and support systems. While often portrayed through dramatic narratives, the sitcom Mom, with its unflinching yet comedic portrayal of intergenerational trauma and recovery, offered a surprisingly prescient look at the rise of ‘found families’ – and why they’re becoming increasingly vital in a fractured world.
Beyond Bloodlines: The Shifting Definition of Family
The show centered on Christy (Anna Faris) and Bonnie (Allison Janney), a mother-daughter duo navigating life in recovery while grappling with deeply rooted issues stemming from Bonnie’s own traumatic childhood in the foster care system. What began as a story focused on their often-turbulent relationship organically expanded to encompass the vibrant community within their Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Characters like Jill (Jaime Pressly), Wendy (Beth Hall), Marjorie (Mimi Kennedy), and Tammy (Kristen Johnston) weren’t simply supporting players; they became a chosen family, offering a level of understanding and acceptance often absent in biological relationships.
This isn’t merely a plot device. Sociologists are increasingly documenting a trend towards individuals actively creating their own support networks, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Factors like increased geographic mobility, delayed marriage, and rising rates of loneliness are contributing to this shift. As traditional family structures evolve, the need for reliable, emotionally supportive connections remains constant. The success of Mom, and its focus on the AA community as a functional family unit, tapped into this growing cultural resonance.
The Trauma-Informed Lens: Why Shared Experience Matters
Mom distinguished itself by not shying away from the complexities of addiction and its ripple effects. The show’s willingness to explore Bonnie’s history in foster care, and the subsequent trauma that fueled her substance abuse, was groundbreaking for a network sitcom. This focus on intergenerational trauma – the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next – is now a central tenet of trauma-informed care, a rapidly expanding field within mental health.
The power of shared experience within the AA group wasn’t just about sobriety; it was about validating each other’s pain and offering a safe space to process difficult emotions. This concept aligns with research on group therapy, which demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of connecting with others who have faced similar challenges. The show subtly highlighted how these connections can foster resilience and promote healing, even in the face of ongoing adversity.
The Rise of Peer Support Networks
The principles at play in Mom’s depiction of AA are extending beyond addiction recovery. We’re seeing a proliferation of peer support networks for a wide range of issues, from chronic illness to mental health challenges to parenting struggles. These networks offer a sense of belonging, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to take control of their own well-being. The show’s portrayal of the AA group as a source of strength and stability likely contributed to a greater acceptance of these types of support systems.
From Sitcom to Social Commentary: The Future of Connection
The phasing out of Christy’s children in later seasons, while initially criticized by some, arguably reinforced the show’s core message: sometimes, the families we choose are more supportive and fulfilling than the ones we’re born into. This isn’t to diminish the importance of biological family, but rather to acknowledge that family can take many forms.
As societal pressures continue to mount and traditional support systems fray, the need for strong, reliable connections will only intensify. The enduring appeal of Mom, and its focus on the power of found family, suggests that this trend is here to stay. The show wasn’t just a comedy; it was a surprisingly insightful commentary on the evolving nature of human connection and the enduring human need for belonging. What new forms of ‘found family’ will emerge to meet the challenges of the coming decades? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
