Final answer:
Talcott Parsons' view on family aligns with the functionalist perspective, which sees families as crucial for socializing children and maintaining societal stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical viewpoint that Talcott Parsons held, which says the family is responsible for the reproduction of society through the production and socialization of children, aligns with the functionalist perspective. Functionalism is a sociological paradigm that views society as a system of interdependently connected parts, where each part plays a vital role in maintaining the societal equilibrium. Families, from this viewpoint, are essential because they socialize children, care for members, and pass down cultural norms thus contributing to the stability and continuity of society.
In functionalism, the family is seen as a crucial social institution that serves several important functions for both individuals and society. These include the socialization of children, regulation of sexual relations, reproduction, and the provision of emotional and practical support. Functionalists view these activities as necessary to maintain the balance and smooth functioning of a stable society. Hence, according to Parsons and other functionalists, prescribed gender roles and the family structure work together to fulfill these essential tasks.