Social Institutions
Definition:
“Structures in society, manifested as groups of social positions and associated social
relations, invested with legitimate authority, that serve to maintain and carry out
essential social functions and perpetuate the social order. “
Basic Considerations
All institutions are structures composed of social groups.
A condition of social groups is the interrelationship of statuses.
All statuses are reflected in role behavior
Role behaviors are cognitively mediated by their occupants.
Hence, institutions are cognitively mediated structures.
Characteristics of an Institution
Institutions are purposive.
They are relatively permanent in their content.
Institutions are structured
Institutions are a unified structure.
Institutions are necessarily value-laden.
Functions of Social Institutions
1) Social institutions regulate individual behaviour.
2) Social institutions fulfill human need by Production and Distribution of Goods and
Services.
3) A social institution makes individual behavior predictable.
4) Social institution control and regulates deviant behaviour.
The Six Social Institutions
Social Institution a social unit integral to the organization and functioning of
society.
Purpose to provide for the needs of society and ensure the survival of man.
Six Social Institutions Government, Religion, Family, Education, Economics and
Social Order.
The Family
Basic Social Unit---building block of society.
Exists to provide for basic needs and wants (protection, sustenance child-
rearing)
Primary vehicle for acculturation of young
nuclear, extended, single-parent, non-traditional
Most Important Social Institution.
Religion
transmits and sustains culture highest expression of culture.
teaches and enforces pro-social behaviors
provides a belief system and organizes the individuals perspective on the world.
different types of religions pantheism, mysticism, polytheism, monotheism
Religion binds us into a society.
Government
Def.-political organization authorized to formulate public policies and conduct
affairs of state.
regulates behavior of individuals to reduce conflict and maximize cooperation.
Government exists to provide for the general welfare of all.
Democracy, Oligarchy, Monarchy, Fascism
Education
Formal way society acculturates its young
Survival Skills Citizenship Training.
Socrates--The Unexamined Life is not worth Living, Socratic Method
Educational Philosophies
Puritan--drill, recite, memorize
Progressive--active engagement
Inquiry-------learn through questioning
Social Order
Class structure of society
Organizes people and apportions power, resources and responsibilities
Examples caste system (India), Upper Middle, Lower classes (economic)
Economics
Science that deals with the allocation of scarce resources the production and
distribution of goods
Provides the means for society to support itself.
Is at the root of all human endeavors
One of the most important social institutions
