SOCIAL INSTITUTIONSChapter 4 – Social Structure and Interaction

Social Institutions

Social Institutions: The organized, usual, or standard ways by

which society meets its basic needs. Examples: Family, Religion, Education,

Economics, Medicine, Politics, Law, Science, Military, Mass Media

Significance of Social Institutions Help shape our behavior and influence

our thoughts

Much of the influence of social institutions is beyond our ordinary awareness

Ex: Economic Institution – 8 hour work day

Example: The Mass Media

Basic Need Met: Disseminating Information, Molding Public

Opinion, and Reporting Events Groups or Organizations:

TV Networks, Radio Stations, Publishers, Bloggers

Statuses Journalists, Newscasters, Authors, Editors,

Publisher Values

Timelines, Accuracy, Freedom of the Press Norms

Be accurate, fair, timely, and profitable

Functionalist Perspective

Social institutions perform such vital functions for human survival that no society is without them

Five Functional Requisites for Survival Replacing Members Socializing New Members Producing and Distributing Goods and Services Preserving Order Providing a Sense of Purpose

Conflict Perspective

Do not view social institutions working harmoniously for the common good. Powerful groups control society’s institutions Manipulate them to maintain wealth and

power Ex: Nation’s Wealthy Elite

Top 1% control 34% of privately owned wealth in US

Sit on boards of corporations and universities Make donations to political candidates

Changes in Social Structure

As culture changes, then so does social structure Responds to changing values, technology,

contact with other cultures Economy is affected by globalization

What Holds Society Together? Social Integration: The degree to which

members of a group or a society feel united by shared values and other social bonds.

Mechanical Solidarity: Durkheim’s term for the unity that people feel as a result of performing the same or similar tasks.

Organic Solidarity: Durkheim’s term for the interdependence that results from the division of labor; people depending on others to fulfill their jobs

What Holds Society Together? Gemeinschaft: A type of society in

which life is intimate; a community in which everyone knows everyone else and people share a sense of togetherness.

Gesellschaft: A type of society that is dominated by impersonal relationships, individual accomplishments, and self-interest.