Correct Option: A

An institution is any structure or mechanism of social order and cooperation governing the behavior of a set of individuals within a given community — may it be human or a specific animal one. Institutions are identified with a social purpose, transcending individuals and intentions by mediating the rules that govern cooperative living behavior. Family is a permanent institution as it pre-dates the origin of nation-states and is dependent on man-woman relationship. Marriage is the bedrock of this institution and is the principal institution for the socialization of children.