A social institution may be defined as an organizational system which functions to satisfy basic social needs by providing an ordered framework linking the individual to the larger culture.
THE BASIC INSTITUTIONS
FAMILY
RELIGION
GOVERNMENT
EDCATION
ECONOMICS
GENERAL FUCTIONS OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
1. Institution Satisfy the Basic Needs of Society.
2. Institution Define Dominant Social Values.
"Bill of Rights"
3. Institutions Establish Permanent Patterns of Social Behavior
Monogamy
4. Institutions Support Other Institutions.
"Adultery".
5. Institutions Provide Roles for Individuals .
Husband and Wife.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS
THE SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY
1. The control and regulation of sexual behavior.
2. To provide for new members of society (children).
3. To provide for the economic and emotional maintenace of individuals.
4. To provide for primary socialization of children.
THE SPECIFIC FUNCTIONOF RELIGION
1. Providing solutions for unexplained natural, phenomena.
2. Supplying a means for controlling the natural world.
3. Religion tends to support the normative structure of the society.
4. Furnishing a psychological diversion from unwanted life situations.
5. Sustaining the existing class structure.
6. Religion serves as an instrument of socialization.
7. Religion may both promote and retard social change.
8. Religion may both reduce and encourage conflict in groups.
THE SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERMENT
1. The Institutionalization of norms (Laws).
2. The enforcement of laws.
3. The adjudication of conflict (Court).
4. Provide for the welfare of members of society.
5. Protection of Society from external threat.
THE SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION
1. Transmitting culture.
2. Preparation for occupational roles
3. Evaluating and Selecting competent individuals
4. Transmitting functional skills for functoning in society.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF ECONOMY
1. Provide methods for the production of goods and services.
2. Provide methods for the distribution of goods and services.
3. Enable societies members to consume goods and services which are produced.
Funtions of Activities
All activities have, or result in certain functions. These functions may be thought of as the effects of an activity.
The concept of manifest and latent function was introduced into sociology by Robert K. Merton (1910-???)
Manifest Function are those functions which are both recognized and intended.
Latent Function are those functions which are neither intended nor readily recognized.
American Association of Community Colleges
Association for Managing and Using Information Resources in Higher Education
The Center for Education Reform
The Goerge Lucas Educational Foundation