{"id":16493,"date":"2022-11-23T02:55:43","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T07:55:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lmshero.com\/?p=16493"},"modified":"2022-12-09T15:24:23","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T20:24:23","slug":"types-of-social-institutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lmshero.com\/types-of-social-institutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Types of Social Institutions and Their Functions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In modern societies, people’s lives are often shaped and defined by different types of social institutions, such as the government, schools, economic institutions (banks, stock market), religious institutions, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These social institutions are required to keep society structured and functioning to ensure the survival of all members of society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, social institutions foster general stability by setting predictable patterns of interaction based on mutual expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, I will explain what social institutions are and give examples of different social institutions we have in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is a social institution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A social institution is a group of people who share common goals and have created stable patterns of interactions based on what is expected from each other which fosters a healthy relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social institutions are interconnected systems of social norms and roles that are organized and possess behavioral patterns of interaction that contribute to the core social needs of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, because social institutions are interconnected and have patterns, changes to one social institution can have an impact on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, family, a social institution, is heavily linked to education, which is another social institution. If schools are closed due to a pandemic, the family social institution will be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, every social institution shares similar defined goals, practices, customs, and rules to shape each of its members and provide for their basic needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of social institutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The following are some types of basic social institutions and their functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The Family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Typically, the family is the fundamental unit of every society and is generally recognized as the primary social institution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family institution determines kinship, which is the blood or marital relation of one family member to another, and it is every child’s initial introduction to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family performs different societal functions and is crucial for the survival and well-being of every member of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following are the primary goals of the family:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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To protect the children<\/li>\n\n\n\n
To nurture the children with love<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Teach life skills and social interaction, etc<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Economic institution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The economic, or market institutions, is another type of social institution. This institution covers the buying and selling industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Economic institutions afford people the opportunity to support themselves and their families, as well as aid in the buying and selling of goods and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of economic institutions include; Banking firms, credit unions, insurance companies, the stock market, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Religious institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Even though not everyone belongs to a religious group, religious institution is part of every human society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there may be more than one religious institution in society, they serve the same purpose. And they exist to reinforce the norms and values of a society’s rules. Belonging to any brings people together into a community, even within other groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, the role of the religious institution in society gives stability and function, including a cohesive system of beliefs, symbols, conventions, and specialized traditions that guide the human behavior of the religious institution’s community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of religious institutions include; churches, mosques, monasteries, dioceses, totems, temples, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Educational Institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Typically, educational institutions teach skills and knowledge. Similar to family institutions, educational institutions instill the next generation with the skills necessary to properly engage in society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The educational institution is considered to be continuous, as professionals who work in educational institutions, such as teachers, instructors, and professors, have gone through the same institution themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, they possess the right approach for the next generation for the majority of societal occupations, including educational careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of educational institutions are; elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, school districts, community colleges, graduate schools, junior colleges, technical colleges, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Government Institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The state or government is another important social institution in society. Every society has a power structure that makes decisions on behalf of its citizens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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