This article will examine sociological theories and their links to the social institution of the family. We usually think of society as a group of people, but in sociology, society is not a group of people but a social organization. People are shaped by society to fit within accepted societal boundaries. Society must be understood using “the meanings that people give to their values ​​and beliefs” (Bartle, 2010). In sociology, there are three main perspectives. These are the functionalist, conflict and interactionist perspectives. Each perspective views society in different ways, each correct and relevant since social institutions are too complex to be defined by a single theory. Each perspective will be used to explain its relevance to the family. The sociological definition of family is “a group of people related by blood, marriage or other agreed relationship, or adoption, who share primary responsibility for reproduction. and caring for members of society” (Schaeffer, 2009, p. 288). While the nuclear family (a man, a woman, and their children) was once the primary definition of family, it now refers to many family configurations. Single-parent families, blended families, same-sex couples, traditional nuclear families, and adopted single parents are just some of the configurations that mainstream society now considers a family. A healthy family will provide a place of unconditional love, acceptance and support. The functionalist perspective views society as a living organism or a mechanical entity. Primitive societies, where everyone performs similar tasks, demonstrate mechanical cohesion. In modern societies, many different tasks are performed by members, sim...... middle of document...... Empowerment Collective: http://www.scn.org/cmp/modules/soc- per. htmBryant, J., Claridge, M., Fursman, L., Jacobsen, V. and Jensen, B. (March 2004). Family theories and politics. Retrieved February 27, 2011 from New Zealand Treasury: http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/research-policy/wp/2004/04-02/11.htm#_toc4.1 Gabler, J. (2010) . Sociology for dummies. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing, Inc. Hughes, M., Kroehler, C., & Vander Sanden, J. (2001). Sociology: The Core (Sixth ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Schaeffer, R. T. (2009). Sociology: a brief introduction. (8th, ed.) New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Valiante, WC (February 4, 2005). It bears repeating: this is the clash of families, not of civilizations... Retrieved February 27, 2011 from the Media Monitors network: http://usa.mediamonitors.net/content/view/full/13114/