Functionalist approach to the functions of families

• The sexual function


  Society needs to regulate sexual activity. The nuclear family regulates a married couple's sexual behaviour and helps to maintain their relationship.
• The reproductive function


  Society needs new members if it is to survive over time. The nuclear family produces the next generation of society's members.
• The economic function


  Society needs a way of providing people with financial support (for instance, food and shelter). Economic cooperation is based on a division of labour between the husband and wife within the nuclear family.
• The educational function


  society needs to ensure that new members learn its culture. This learning takes place through socialisation within the nuclear family.