In a 1972 interview survey of 250 rural families in 2 East Tennessee counties, patterns of family functioning were shown to be directly related to economic level, husband's age, and husband's educational level. Within the sample population consisting of family households of 2 or more members, the mean age of husbands was 49, and of wives, 46. The most commonly completed educational level was grade 8.9 for husbands and 9.2 for wives. Ninety percent of the families had kin in the same community whom they saw often. Reunions were common. Help among kin was, however, not particularly evident and families availed themselves of community services. In these largely Protestant households, most husbands were skilled or semiskilled workers, although 25% were unemployed, retired, or disabled. Forty five percent of the families had 1 wage earner, usually the husband; 20% had none. In 20% of the families the wives worked as well. Income for 50% was under $6000/year and only 18% had annual incomes card use occurred. Especially in the more affluent families, decisions were made jointly. Tasks were usually accomplished independently and divided along traditional male-female lines. Family self esteem was fairly high. (SB)