Social institutions

• Social Institution


  A complex, integrated set of social norms organized around the preservation of a basic societal value
• Institution (according to Sumner and Keller)

  A vital interest or activity that is surrounded by a cluster of mores and folkways
• Institution (according to Lester F. Ward)


  The means for the control and utilization of social energy
• Institution (according to L. Thobhouse)


  The whole or any part of the established and recognized apparatus of social life
• Institution (according to Robert Maciver)


  Established forms or conditions of procedure characteristic of group activity
• Institutions


  • Arise and persist because of a definite felt need of the members of the society
  • Come into existence to satisfy vital interests of man
  • Arise because of social demand or social necessity
  • Based on a perpetual want
• 5 basic institutions


  • Family
  • Government
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Religion
• 5 Major Functions Performed by Social Institutions

  • Emotional Needs
  • Economic Needs
  • Familial Needs
  • Religious Needs
  • Political Needs
• Emotional Needs


  Satisfaction of needs like love, affection, hunger, fear, self-preservation, self-gratification, and fear of the supernatural
• Economic Needs


  Satisfies the material needs of people and for the satisfaction of basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter
• Familial Needs


  Establishes the institution of marriage and family for the continuation of human species through structured means
• Religious Needs


  Deals with man's inherent fear of the supernatural and scales with his fear through religious prayers and offerings
• Political Needs


  Deals with the basic necessity of governing large group of people through formalized means of government and laws