The present study seeks to delineate the matter of functionality and dysfunctionality of family members by considering the roles of father, mother and their relationships with children in the novels of The Bluest Eye (1970), Sula (1973), Home (2012) and Love (2003) written by Toni Morrison (1931-2019). In order to analyze functionality and dysfunctionality of the families, in the novels, Family systems theory and approach have been selected as a paradigm onto which family is observed like a system with incorporated components which are individuals and members. Systems theory is a research methodology based on the application of a systematic approach which suggests that the activity of each component of the family affects the activity of the other components. The tendency in cybernetics and system theory in approaching family is not to solve issues in clinical manner but to identify the roots of functionality or dysfunctionality. The present study has found that the families wherein the relationship between parents with children has been damaged or parents have ignored their child support roles are considered dysfunctional in terms of systems theory. By observing the families mentioned in the novels and based on the existing theory, the research came to the understanding that in families where there is anxiety and carelessness among its members, it leads to dysfunctionality of the family. This means that the relationship between family members, each member's defined role, and the socioeconomic status of families have a direct impact on functionality or dysfunctionality of the families. It seems appropriate to use the family systems approach to analyze the functionality and dysfunctionality of families.
