This essay aims to provide a panoramic perspective of three sociological approaches to the family; Functionalist, Marxist and feminist, how each approach sees society and how each approach perceives the family. Secondly, each perspective will be critically evaluated and analyzed. Finally, the values ​​of the theories highlighted in this essay will be discussed in relation to how, as an early childhood practitioner, I can use this knowledge to improve my practice. According to Taylor et al (2005), family sociology has traditionally been governed by functionalist theory which highlights the universal and functional role played by the family in society. Furthermore, functionalists take a broad view of society and focus on the macro aspects of social life (Ingleby and Oliver 2008). Cunningham and Cunningham (2010:12) use an analogy of the human body to highlight the functionalist approach to society: "Just as biologists understand the ways in which different bodily organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, lungs and so on, they perform a specific function to keep the human body alive, so that with society its different components work in harmony with a common goal, the survival and well-being of society". 'education, IL The economy, religion and political system exist because they perform central tasks that contribute to the well-being of society (Cunningham and Cunningham 2010). Similarly, according to Comte (1798-1857), society is a system of interconnected parts, each of which depends on other parts to function. For example, the education system relies on the family to produce effectively socialized children; the economy depends on the education system to produce educated people...... half of the paper. ..... continue to criticize the Marxist and functionalist approach for ignoring diversity within the family. Early years professionals need to be aware of the connection between conflict theory and the effect that a family's economic circumstances will have on the child's overall development. Goodman and Gregg (2010), for example, highlight that children growing up in poorer families leave school with substantially lower levels of education. Furthermore, Ingleby and Oliver (2008) state that it is essential for early childhood practitioners to recognize the importance of a child's ability to realize their potential based on economic circumstances, such as inadequate housing, lack of education and poverty. Furthermore, once these circumstances are alleviated, children will have a better chance of reaching their developmental potential (Ingleby and Oliver 2008).