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:  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.