Key Sociological Thinkers

Functionalists 

Parsons:

• Pre-industrial society was characterised by the extended family. As a result on industrialisation, this was replaced by the isolated nuclear family. 
• Whereas the extended family 'best fitted' the needs of pre-industrial society, the isolated nuclear family is seen as 'best fitting' the needs of an industrial economy. 

Goode supports Parsons because of:

• Increased geographical mobility
• Increased social mobility
• A decrease in the functions of the family
• A move from ascribed to achieved status

Goode disagrees with Parsons though that the nuclear family was caused by industrialisation…