OBSERVATIONS OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Social institutions are an important aspect of sociology. They have a set of guidelines and a system of defined norms and values that have a profound impact on the individual and collective behavior of the society. The paper deals with the family systems, education system and religion as examples of social institutions and explores the different sets of norms and values that propagate within the respective institutions, reflecting on the manner in which they tend to influence the attitude and lifestyle of the individual and the society, as a whole.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Family as a social institution4

Education as a social institution5

Religion as a social institution5

Conclusion6

Notes7

References8

Observations of Social Institutions

Introduction

A social institution is a hierarchy or structure of human community who have an established set of norms, values and roles in their respective positions, serving different basic social needs of the society.

Family as a social institution

The (nuclear) family is a traditional social institution that is widely considered to be a natural and essential domain. The weekend birthday party served as an active source of information with a collection of families of different nature gathered at the venue. The families ranged from the traditional nuclear family to the modern-alternate single parent family. The nuclear family having their status defined as the mother, father, son/brother and daughter/sister. The father playing the influential role of earning the family's livelihood and protect the members, while the mother plays the touching role of nurturer and care-giver. The parents also serve as the authoritative decision-making figures in the household structure till the younger members are old enough to decide for themselves. The children are expected to carry on or alleviate the family name, transmitting the family norms and values to the newer generations. The family has an established platform for the young members to interact and grow under a defined set of values and norms such as, etiquette values, celebrating each child's birthday, earning an honest livelihood e.t.c. It serves as a warm shelter against the harsh environment of the outside world, with different members of the family being supportive and resourceful to the other as need per se. The values and norms that have been taught or observed tend to influence the decisions and lifestyle of the family at a collective and individual level.

Education as a social institution

Education systems and institutions are classified as “social institution” since they encompass a portfolio of student, teacher, parental and ...