Final answer:
A system is defined as a whole consisting of interacting parts, a concept applied in various disciplines, including sociology and biology, as well as understanding social units like families and broader societal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A simple way to define the term system is C. A whole consisting of interacting parts. Understanding a system in this way is crucial in various fields, including sociology, biology, and physics. This conceptualization is reflected in the way sociologists view society—a system of interdependent, inherently connected parts. It is also seen in how biologists understand an organ system, such as the skeletal system providing structure and protecting internal organs.
In sociology, for example, the family can be considered a system of relationships and roles contributing to the overall structure of society. Sociologists also consider the broader societal systems that shape individual behavior and the distribution of resources, further impacting inequality and decision-making within a society.
All in all, disciplines across the sciences and humanities utilize the concept of systems to organize and understand the complex interrelations within a given entity, whether it be a living organism, the environment, a social unit like a family, or a societal structure.