Final answer:
The primary purpose of societal structures is to maintain a civilized society by ensuring effective functioning and fair administration, which is reflected in functionalism's viewpoints of government roles and the social contract theory's rationale for a governed society. C) Maintaining a civilized society
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of societal structures such as law, order, rules, and the enforcement of consequences is C) Maintaining a civilized society. These structures are essential for ensuring that society functions effectively and fairly. According to functionalism, a perspective in sociology, governments serve four main roles: planning and directing society, meeting social needs, maintaining law and order, and managing international relations. These elements work together to maintain social stability, facilitate cooperation among citizens, and prevent chaos and disorder, thereby creating a foundation for civilized living.
Within the society, law and order are fundamental in establishing justice. As stated before, part of the government's responsibility is to ensure that justice is upheld, reflecting the rule of law. This means laws must be fairly and equitably interpreted and enforced. Additionally, moral norms within a community often complement legal rules, with social reinforcement playing a part in maintaining civility. Furthermore, impressions held in Western society today regard democracy as a stable form of government for upholding justice and order.
Philosophical theories like the social contract theory also support the idea that government and societal infrastructure prevent chaos and uphold the rights and freedoms of individuals, hence promoting a civilized society. The balance between individual rights and political authority has been historically significant in shaping the rule of law and justice systems worldwide. Emile Durkheim, a renowned sociologist, asserted that even deviant behavior plays a role in a society's health by reinforcing cultural values and norms, indicating an organic system of maintaining societal order.