Social Institutions A cluster of social structures that collectively meet one or more of the basic needs of society Education Family Sport Religion

Education Activity: Functions of Schools Individually, rank the following from 1(most important) to 8 (least important) _____ basic skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic _____ vocational skills (job training) _____ how to interact with others; social and family skills _____ ethics and moral values _____ learning, thinking and problem solving skills _____ citizenship skills _____ the cultural heritage and history of the society _____ special aspects of the culture, such as: art, music, literature, drama science, technology, sports _____ other things you think school should teach __________________________

Manifest Functions and Latent Functions Manifest Function – an action that produces an intended and recognized result Latent Function – an action that produces and unintended and unrecognized result What are the manifest functions of Education? What are the latent functions of Education?

Manifest Functions of Education To transmit knowledge, skills and behaviour to young people Identify and develop values and ideals that are shared in their society, which contributes to social unity Promote personal growth and development

Reflection Have your years of schooling been positive or negative? Explain why. If you could have changed anything about your schooling and education what would it have been.

Functions of the Family To provide basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing To socialize children To provide emotional needs Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Functions of Sport Teaches basic values and aids in socialization Promotes attachment to society Offers a safe release of aggressive feeling Encourages the development of character Activity: Sport Paradoxes

Religion…What it means to you How do you define religion? What does religion mean to you? Do you believe in the supernatural? If you do believe in the supernatural, how do you imagine it to be?

Functions of Religion Gives formal approval to existing social arrangements (explains why society is) Encourages a sense of unity (BUT it can also divide a society) Provides a sense of understanding (a meaning beyond day to day life) Promotes a sense of belonging

World Religions

Cults Cult – a religious organization whose characteristics are not drawn from existing religious tradition within a society Activity: Page 476 Green Text (Sociology and You) Read “Understanding the Danger of Cults” and answer the three questions