Secularization is the process by which what type of institutions take over former religious functions?

Secularization refers to the process whereby religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance, leading to the rise and establishment of secular, nonreligious institutions that take on roles and functions previously held by religious organizations. This encompasses a wide range of social dimensions including education, healthcare, and moral guidance, all of which may have been traditionally managed by religious authorities.

Choosing the option that specifies secular nonreligious institutions captures the essence of secularization accurately. These institutions emerge as alternative sources of authority and community organization in a society that increasingly prioritizes rationalism, science, and individualism over traditional religious frameworks.

While family and community centers (from one option) do play a role in societal functions, they do not encompass the broader range of secular institutions that address various social needs. Government and economic institutions (another option) might influence societal functions, but they do not represent the entire scope of what secularization entails. International organizations (from a different option) may collaborate on a global scale to address certain issues, but they do not represent the local or national replacement of religious functions within a community. Thus, the chosen answer best encapsulates the theoretical underpinnings and social phenomena associated with secularization.