Talcott Parsons believed which of the following statements were true? - the family is the key system in society - deviation from social norms leads to disorganization which is bad for society - the key to societal survival is shared norms and values

• A. The family is the key system in society
• B. Deviation from social norms leads to disorganization which is bad for society
• C. The key to societal survival is shared norms and values
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Parsons’ approach centers on how social order is produced and maintained through stable structures and shared meanings. He saw the family as a primary site where people are socialized into the roles, norms, and values that coordinate behavior across society, helping to knit individuals into a larger system. Because social life relies on predictable patterns, when people deviate from norms, the integration of the system is disrupted and disorganization can follow, which functionalists argue is harmful to social stability. A key idea is that shared norms and values create value consensus, guiding collective action and ensuring the system’s continued functioning and survival. So, each statement reflects a core aspect of Parsons’ framework: the family’s central role, the impact of norm violation on social order, and the importance of a common value base for societal endurance.