Social Institutions

Social Institutions A social institution is an important human organization in a culture group that helps a society to survive. Sociologists have identified government, religion, education , economy and family as the five basic social institutions that are necessary for a society to survive

Government Government is the political organization of a society The purpose of government is to keep order and make group decisions In the U.S., the government keeps order by: Providing law enforcement at various levels Defends us from enemies through the armed services Provides social services like Social Security and Medicare Protects the rights of the population.

Weber’s Views on Authority Traditional Based on custom Authority passed through hereditary lines Chief, King, Queen Declines with industrialization Rational-legal Based on written rules Agreed to by reasonable people and written into law Also known as – bureaucratic authority Authority comes from position NOT person Charismatic Person or group with exceptional qualities comes to power Issue of allegiance King owes allegiance to tradition President owes allegiance to written laws Who does the charismatic authority owe allegiance to ???

Economy The economy of a culture represents the way that resources are used to meet human needs and wants An economy is necessary because it allows people to make a living and determines how to acquire and distribute goods and services

Economy cont’d Economic Systems: Economic Models: Primary sector Extraction of raw materials Fishing, hunting, farming Secondary sector Use of raw materials to manufacture goods Turning trees into paper or lumber Tertiary sector Providing services Mechanics, service technicians, cab drivers Economic Models: Capitalism Laissez-faire capitalism “let people do as they choose” Driven by: Self-interest Market competition Limited government Socialism Economic activity controlled by social need Central planning through government Equal access to goods and services

Religion Religion represents the moral belief system of a society Can include ideas about magic, superstition and an explanation about how the universe came about Religion is necessary to determine group values; to have a common belief system Although American society has many religions, they serve similar functions. Denominations Sects Religion teaches a moral code that is generally reflective of the society

Belief Systems Ethicalism – moral principles have a sacred quality Based on truth, honor, and tolerance Involves meditation and purity (Buddhism, Confucianism) Animism – spirits actively influence human life Totemism – belief in kinship between humans and animals or natural objects Theism – belief in god or gods Monotheism – one god (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) Polytheism – multiple gods (Hinduism)

Functions of Religion Meet Basic needs not met by other social institutions Provide: Social solidarity (cohesion) Meaning of existence Social control Moral & ethical code of behavior Emotional support Concerns of life/death Helps individuals: Adjust to social problems Adapt to social changes Durkheim – religion defined by: Beliefs Practice Moral community

VS. Two views of Religion M a r x Viewed religious functions k h e i m M a r x VS. Viewed religious functions and ceremonies as a way to bring a community together Believed that religion divided the classes… strong vs. weak.

Education Education is the institution that passes on essential cultural knowledge to members of a society Education is necessary to pass information and knowledge of the culture from one generation to the next American education Instills knowledge about the world Provides skills to become competent in the adult world of work Teaches the values of the American way of life Offers opportunities for intellectual, social and emotional growth

Perspectives on Education Functionalist Teach knowledge and skills Cultural transmission Society’s core values Loyalty to state Socialist vs. Capitalist Social Integration National identity Mainstreaming Inclusion Gatekeeping Tracking Conflict Tool for elite to maintain dominance Socioeconomic status Hidden curriculum Unwritten rules Obedience to authority Conformity to social norms Culturally biased testing Unequal funding Taxes

Perspectives on Education Interactionist Human culture is not biologically inherited, but learned Young people develop social personalities through adult care and teaching

Family Family is the first and most basic social unit of society Family is necessary to care for the young, to provide a kinship system for social organization The American family is the basic unit of society. As such, it cares for the young physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. It provides the basic living arrangements; it structures the kinship system; it furnishes companionship and emotional and social support for its members.

Family Structures Nuclear family Extended family Authority Patterns: Just the parents and the children Most recognized within American society Extended family Other relatives, such as grandparents, uncles and aunts are also included Authority Patterns: Patriarchy Male authority Matriarchy Female authority Egalitarian Shared authority Descent Patterns: Patrilineal system Descent traced on father’s side Matrilineal system Descent traced on mother’s side

Issues with the Family as an Institution Family Functions Family Disruptions Regulation of sexual activity Reproduction Socialization Economic and Emotional Security Care for the sick/old Recreation Divorce Death Empty Nest Violence