In Parsons\' framework, primary socialisation refers to which process?

In Parsons\' framework, primary socialisation refers to which process?

• A. Culture and norms of society
• B. Economic skills only
• C. Medical practices
• D. Religious beliefs exclusively

Answer: (A)

Primary socialisation is the family-based process of teaching children the culture and norms of society—the basic values, language, and appropriate ways of acting that help them fit into the social order. In Parsons’ view, the family is the first and main agency that transmits these shared expectations, laying the groundwork for a child to participate meaningfully in society.

That’s why the option describing culture and norms of society is the best fit. It captures the broad social and cultural learning the family passes on, not just specific skills or isolated practices. The idea isn’t about economic skills alone, or about medical practices, or about religion in isolation; it’s about the wider set of culturally approved behaviors and values that children internalize early on. Later, through secondary socialisation (school, peers, media, and other institutions), these foundations are reinforced and adapted as individuals encounter new situations.