Social Institutions

“A Social institution is a set of norms, social structure and machinery through

which human society organizes, directs and executes various functions required
to satisfy human needs and which are necessary for the survival of society. They
are stable and recurring patterns of behaviors, each identified with a particular
social purpose. They govern the behavior of a group of people united by common
interest.” (Horton and Hunt)

• Cohen and Orbuch defines it as:

“An organized, patterned system of social relationships that exists to meet the
human needs.”

• Macionis defines it as:

“The major spheres of social life or societal subsystems organized to meet human
needs.”
 Characteristics of a Social Institution
• A social institution is social—interrelates a group of people through social
interaction

• Every social institution serves a clear function

• Has natural and material sources at its disposal required to fulfill its function

• It is stable, recurring and permanent—transcends individuals (though subject to

change)

• It operates within a network of norms and cultural values of a society

• Social institutions satisfy social needs

• Social institutions of a particular society are interrelated as change in one can

induce changes in others

• Examples:

• Family
• Economics
• Religion
• Education
• State
 Religion
• Macionis defined it as:

“A social institution involving beliefs and practices based upon a conception of

sacred.”

• Giddens defined it as:

“Religion involve a set of symbols, invoking feelings of reverence or awe and are
linked to rituals or ceremonials engaged in by a community of believers.”
 Functions of Religion (Functionalist Perspective)
1) Metaphysical Function: Why are we here? Who created us? Give meaning and
purpose of life

2) Social Solidarity: Religion serves an integrative function. It promotes unity and

solidarity. It serves as a glue to bind people together by providing shared
beliefs, symbols and norms.

3) Social Control: People obey rules and regulations because of the fear of
punishment in the hereafter

4) Psychological Function: Provides mental peace and emotional support in times

of crisis (Death of loved ones, financial crisis, etc)
5) Moral Function: Inculcates social virtues and discourage unlawful actions. (Trust,
honesty, non-violence, obedience of law)

6) Source of Identity: A sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world. Emile

Durkheim (low suicide rate in Catholics)

7) Agent of Socialization and Social Control: To make new members productive

members of society.

8) Promotes Social Welfare: Encourages mutual help and cooperation among

members. (Zakat)

9) Help regulates social problems: Crimes, divorce, suicide

 Conflict Perspective on Religion
• Perpetuates social inequalities

• Conditions people so they don’t challenge the oppressive class structure

• Karl Marx called it “Opium of the masses.”

Examples:

• Slavery
• Divine Right of Kings
• Feminist Perspective
• Indian Caste System
 Family
• According to Macionis:

“A social institution, found in all societies, that unites people in cooperative

groups to oversee the bearing and raising of children”

• According to Horton and Hunt:

“A set of people related by blood, marriage or adoption who share the primary
responsibility for reproduction and caring of members of society.”s
 Types of Family
1) Nuclear Family:

• Consists of parents and their dependent children (two generations)

• Contact with wider kin, such as grandparents tends to be infrequent and impersonal
• A self-contained economic unit whose members are expected to support each other
socially and psychologically

2) Extended Family:

• Vertically extended family (Involves three or more generations living in the same
household)
• Horizontally extended family (Branches within generations, such as aunts and uncles, living
or close to each other)
 Functionalist Perspective
• Socialization Function
• Reproduction Function (Social Continuity)
• Economic Function (Financial support mechanism)
• Psychological Function (affection and companionship)
• Family is an agent of social control
• Regulation of sexual behavior
 Changing Family Patterns in Pakistan
1) Trend towards Nuclearization:

• High cost of living in urban areas

• Nuclear family has a high degree of mobility

2) Egalitarian Gender Roles within Households:

• Distinction of public and domestic affairs is fading away

• Increased demand for female labor in competitive global economy
• Industrialization and Urbanization (Opportunities and High Cost)
• Economic Participation of Women
3) Change in Patterns of Decision-making:

• Decrease in paternal authority over children

• Freedom in choosing careers, life partners, finances etc
• Increased education (Desire for freedom, privacy and independence)
• Impact of globalization and culture of individualism

4) Increasing number of old age homes:

• Care for elderly persons is not possible in nuclear families

• Search for employment takes the young persons away from their homes
• Old homes in Pakistan have increased over the last decade
5) Decline in polygamy in Urban areas:

• Polygamy has never been socially approved in industrial societies

• Industrial societies stresses the importance of effective ties between husband and wife
• Women empowerment

6) Increasing number of children day-care centers:

• Working Parents

7) Comparison of childbirth rates in rural vs Urban Ares:

• Regarded as economic assets in Agricultural societies in Rural Areas

• Poverty and economic insecurity leads to more children who are thought of as insurance of
old age
• Trend is opposite in urban settlement (cost of living is high)
 Positive Consequences
• Women Empowerment and Gender Equality

• Increased Economic Productivity

• Benefits associated with Individualism

 Negative Consequences
• Degradation of cultural values and less care for older people

• Increasingly stressful life due to weakening of family bonds

• Problem in the upbringing of children due to work-life conflict