Final answer:
Social institutions such as religion, education, and the family unit play a key role in political socialization, developing individual political beliefs and values, with the family often being the earliest agent of socialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Institutions that include religion, education, and individuals such as the family unit are known as social institutions. Therefore, the correct answer is a. Social. Social institutions play a significant role in the process of political socialization, where individuals develop their political beliefs and values.
Political Socialization and Social Institutions
Political socialization is deeply influenced by various agents, including the family, which is typically the earliest agent of socialization. Religious settings also contribute to political socialization when, for example, religious leaders teach on matters that translate into political issues. Educational environments function similarly, where schools are seen as serving the needs of society but also profoundly influence individual political beliefs. All these agents are examples of social institutions contributing to the foundation and development of a person's political ideologies and practices.
Agents of Political Socialization
A family member, a religious leader, and a teacher are all agents of political socialization, while a U.S. senator is not directly an agent of socialization. It's through these agents that individuals, especially in their formative years, are exposed to political norms, values, and ideologies that shape their political perspective and behavior in society.