FROM HUNTER GATHERERS TO COMPLEX SOCIETIES Chapter 5 – The Development of Social Institutions

Institution What is an institution? it is not a building, but an organized and predictable way a society has developed to meet its basic needs

The Development of Social Institutions 1. Foraging – a way of life based on hunting and gathering Some cultures still practice this way of life and they are studies because it gives clues as to how ancient cultures lived Most of these groups form kinship bands that are mobile, egalitarian (status is not based on wealth) Family was the only institution – it was responsible for education, safety, socialization of children Foraging Society

2. Agricultural- people settled in fertile areas, when surpluses of grain were produced cities developed villages grew to replace the role of the family gradually a priestly class developed, armies and civil servants from hunter gatherer to farmer

3. Industrial-societies who are dependent on manufactured good and rely on buying of selling of goods More complex institutions developed Industrial Revolution

Major Institutions Family- Responsible for reproduction to replace members - provide protection Socialize the young Economic -Produce and distribute goods and services Political - assist group in decision making Education – a way to pass on culture, knowledge, and values Religion -help people find purpose in their lives develops spiritual side of people provides guidelines for personal behaviour and social interaction

Role Expectations Within a social institution there is a set of expected behaviours or roles that one is expected to play What are the roles at school? What are some expected behaviours for each role?

Status Status- is the position a person has within a social institution The role (behaviour) expected of a person depends on which SI they are participating in and their status within that SI What SI’s are you a member of? What is your role? What is your status?

Theories of Social Institutions 1. Functionalist SI work together to meet the needs of society Each SI is like a part of the body, when working properly it contributes to the greater good All members benefit

2. Conflict Theory SI meet the needs of only a small group in society – the wealthy Wealthy control business, politics, law and education