It is useful to conceptualize family behavior by dividing the tasks which the family has into separate functions or roles. The economic security of the family has to be secured. Also its class position is determined by how successfully this role is fulfilled. Assuming the presence of children, they have to be cared for, educated, and socialized. The mundane job of maintaining and caring for the house has to be accomplished.
People enter into marriage seeking companionship and affection.
The affective needs of family members have to be looked after, ego support and all that. Children are basic attention-getters and need great amounts of it. Who will provide it. There are different strategies for fulfilling these roles. Husbands will perform some roles, and wives others.