1. Social Institutions

2. Social Institutions
A social institution is an important human organization in a culture group that helps a society to survive.
Sociologists have identified government, religion, education , economy and family as the five basic social institutions that are necessary for a society to survive

3. Government Government is the political organization of a society
The purpose of government is to keep order and make group decisions
In the U.S., the government keeps order by:
Providing law enforcement at various levels
Defends us from enemies through the armed services
Provides social services like Social Security and Medicare
Protects the rights of the population.

4. Weber’s Views on Authority
Traditional
Based on custom
Authority passed through hereditary lines
Chief, King, Queen
Declines with industrialization
Rational-legal
Based on written rules
Agreed to by reasonable people and written into law
Also known as – bureaucratic authority
Authority comes from position NOT person
Charismatic
Person or group with exceptional qualities comes to power
Issue of allegiance
King owes allegiance to tradition
President owes allegiance to written laws
Who does the charismatic authority owe allegiance to ???

5. Economy
The economy of a culture represents the way that resources are used to meet human needs and wants
An economy is necessary because it allows people to make a living and determines how to acquire and distribute goods and services

6. Economy cont’d Economic Systems: Economic Models: Primary sector
Extraction of raw materials
Fishing, hunting, farming
Secondary sector
Use of raw materials to manufacture goods
Turning trees into paper or lumber
Tertiary sector
Providing services
Mechanics, service technicians, cab drivers
Economic Models:
Capitalism
Laissez-faire capitalism
“let people do as they choose”
Driven by:
Self-interest
Market competition
Limited government
Socialism
Economic activity controlled by social need
Central planning through government
Equal access to goods and services

7. Religion Religion represents the moral belief system of a society
Can include ideas about magic, superstition and an explanation about how the universe came about
Religion is necessary to determine group values; to have a common belief system
Although American society has many religions, they serve similar functions.
Denominations
Sects
Religion teaches a moral code that is generally reflective of the society

8. Belief Systems Ethicalism – moral principles have a sacred quality
Based on truth, honor, and tolerance
Involves meditation and purity (Buddhism, Confucianism)
Animism – spirits actively influence human life
Totemism – belief in kinship between humans and animals or natural objects
Theism – belief in god or gods
Monotheism – one god (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)
Polytheism – multiple gods (Hinduism)

9. Functions of Religion
Meet Basic needs not met by other social institutions
Provide:
Social solidarity (cohesion)
Meaning of existence
Social control
Moral & ethical code of behavior
Emotional support
Concerns of life/death
Helps individuals:
Adjust to social problems
Adapt to social changes
Durkheim – religion defined by:
Beliefs
Practice
Moral community

10. VS. Two views of Religion M a r x Viewed religious functionsk h e i m M a r x
VS.
Viewed religious functions
and ceremonies as a way to
bring a community together
Believed that religion
divided the classes…
strong vs. weak.

11. Education
Education is the institution that passes on essential cultural knowledge to members of a society
Education is necessary to pass information and knowledge of the culture from one generation to the next
American education
Instills knowledge about the world
Provides skills to become competent in the adult world of work
Teaches the values of the American way of life
Offers opportunities for intellectual, social and emotional growth

12. Perspectives on Education
Functionalist
Teach knowledge and skills
Cultural transmission
Society’s core values
Loyalty to state
Socialist vs. Capitalist
Social Integration
National identity
Mainstreaming
Inclusion
Gatekeeping
Tracking
Conflict
Tool for elite to maintain dominance
Socioeconomic status
Hidden curriculum
Unwritten rules
Obedience to authority
Conformity to social norms
Culturally biased testing
Unequal funding
Taxes

13. Perspectives on Education
Interactionist
Human culture is not biologically inherited, but learned
Young people develop social personalities through adult care and teaching

14. Family Family is the first and most basic social unit of society
Family is necessary to care for the young, to provide a kinship system for social organization
The American family is the basic unit of society. As such, it cares for the young physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. It provides the basic living arrangements; it structures the kinship system; it furnishes companionship and emotional and social support for its members.

15. Family Structures Nuclear family Extended family Authority Patterns:
Just the parents and the children
Most recognized within American society
Extended family
Other relatives, such as grandparents, uncles and aunts are also included
Authority Patterns:
Patriarchy
Male authority
Matriarchy
Female authority
Egalitarian
Shared authority
Descent Patterns:
Patrilineal system
Descent traced on father’s side
Matrilineal system
Descent traced on mother’s side

16. Issues with the Family as an Institution
Family Functions
Family Disruptions
Regulation of sexual activity
Reproduction
Socialization
Economic and Emotional Security
Care for the sick/old
Recreation
Divorce
Death
Empty Nest
Violence