Final answer:
Family members are an example of a primary group, which is a small, emotionally close group with face-to-face interactions and substantial influence on socialization. Despite modern technology allowing for virtual connections, family still plays a fundamental role as a primary and reference group for individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a primary group is C) Family members. Primary groups, as defined by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, are typically small and consist of individuals who engage with each other in long-term, emotional, and face-to-face interactions. These groups serve emotional needs and are comprised of significant others who have a major impact on our socialization. In contrast, secondary groups are usually larger, more impersonal, and task-focused. Examples of secondary groups include work colleagues, classmates, or sports team members where interactions are often more goal-oriented than emotional.
The best example of a primary group that plays a critical role in our lives and serves as the earliest agent of socialization is the family. Although throughout history, these primary groups were those we physically saw daily; today, technology allows us to maintain close emotional connections with family and friends worldwide, maintaining their status as primary groups despite the physical distance. However, secondary groups like classmates or colleagues may be physically closer but our emotional connection to them might be limited. A family not only connects us intimately but also shapes our values, norms, and beliefs which come to serve as a standard for one's own behavior, making it a reference group as well.