This paper examines the social representations of families and schools with regard to their mutual involvement. The objectives are: a) to identify through the discourse of teachers, families and social agents the reasons and intentions behind involvement; and b)according to these discourse, to characterize families in relation to the way in which they fit in with legitimated relationship norms. Research was conducted in six Early Education and Primary schools in disadvantaged contexts located in Andalusia (Spain), with projects aimed at strengthening relationships between schools, families, and the community. The techniques used to produce information were individual and group interviews. The findings show a dichotomic characterisation of families: deficient vs. normalisation. Furthermore, civil associations are seen to play a role as mediators in such relationships, encouraging reflection within schools and enabling the accomplishment of more complex interpretations based on the social and cultural conditioning factors that frame these relationships.