The functionalists have a very positive view of the family, as they see society as being based on a set of norms and values, a value consensus, into which society socialises its members. They see society as a system made up of different parts or sub-systems, and regard the family as a very important sub system, that works with other systems like education and the economy to meet the needs of society. The way in which all these systems collaborate is much similar to that of organs in an animal, as they all depend upon each other to function. The family is seen as the basic building block of society.

Parsons believes that there are two kinds of family, and that the type of family found depends on the needs of the society at the time. The extended family of three generations was common during the pre-industrial stage, where the family relied upon each other for care in old age, care of children and economic survival. The nuclear family became prominent after the industrial revolution, with the needs of society changing, such as Britain needing a geographically mobile workforce that was capable of moving to get various jobs where they were available. Parsons argued that it is easier for the nuclear family to do so than it was for the 3 generation pre-industrial family.
Another functionalist called Murdock largely agrees with Parsons, but says the nuclear family performs four essential functions to meet the needs of society and its members. Firstly, it provides stable satisfaction of the sex drive with the same partner, preventing the social disruption caused by a sexual "free for all". It also facilitates the reproduction of the next generation, which allows society to exist. It provides the service of socialising our young into societies shared norms and values, as well as meeting its members economic needs, such as food and housing.
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