According to Parsons, without primary socialisation into shared norms and values, what would be the fate of society?

According to Parsons, without primary socialisation into shared norms and values, what would be the fate of society?

• A. It would become more egalitarian
• B. It would fail to reproduce itself or socialise new members
• C. It would instantly modernize
• D. It would abandon family life

Answer: (B)

Parsons argues that social order rests on primary socialisation, especially within the family, where children learn shared norms and values. This process creates value consensus and equips individuals with the roles and expectations needed to function in adult life. Without this early socialisation, the next generation wouldn’t internalize the rules that hold society together, so it would fail to reproduce itself or socialise new members. In other words, the continuity of society depends on this transmission of norms. The other options don’t fit because the key issue is reproduction and continuity through internalised norms, not immediate shifts toward egalitarianism, modernization, or the dissolution of family life.