SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Chapter 4 Social Structure and Interaction

SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Chapter 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: Groups or Organizations: Journalists, Newscasters, Authors, Editors, Publisher Values TV Networks, Radio Stations, Publishers, Bloggers Statuses Disseminating Information, Molding Public Opinion, and Reporting Events 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