• Reproduction: To maintain society, it must replace dying members. The family contributes to human survival through its function of reproduction.
• Protection: Children need constant care and economic security. The family has a responsibility for them.
• Socialization: Parents and other kin transmit the norms, values, and language of their culture to the child.
• Regulation of sexual behavior: Sexual norms are various depending on time and culture. But standards of sexual behavior are clearly defined within the family circle.
• Affection and companionship: Ideally, the family provides members with warm and intimate relationships.
• Provision of social status: Children inherit ascribed statuses of family such as race and ethnicity. Family resources also affects children’s certain opportunity such as higher education.