Which of the following statements best reflects Parsons' view about the family and society?

• A. The family is the key system in society
• B. The family has little impact on social stability
• C. Economic institutions are more important than family
• D. Religion solely maintains social order

Answer: (A)

Parsons treats the family as a central organizing unit that maintains social order. In his structural-functional view, the family carries out two essential functions that keep society stable. First, primary socialization, where children learn the norms, values, and roles that enable them to participate as members of society. Second, personality stabilization, where the family provides emotional support to adults, helping them manage stress and maintain equilibrium in daily life. Through these roles, the family helps reproduce the existing social order across generations, making it a foundational element of how society stays cohesive. That is why saying the family is the key system in society best captures his perspective. Statements that minimize the family’s influence or give primacy to economic institutions or religion alone don’t reflect Parsons’ emphasis on the family’s central role in social cohesion and continuity.