Institution: Sociological Concepts: Definitions and Characteristics of Institution
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Sociological Concepts: Definitions and Characteristics of institution (Sociology)
Definitions
- Durkheim said that sociology is the science of social institutions.
- McIver and Page define institution as established forms or conditions of procedure characteristic of group activity.
Concept
- Institutions are social in nature
- A result of collective activities of the people
- Product of repetitive form of social relationships
- They prescribe how to do things
- Established by humans
- Preserve social order
Characteristics of Institution
- Universality
- Standardized Norms
- Means Of Satisfying Needs
- Relatively Permanent
- Abstract In Nature
- Oral And Written Traditions
- Social In Nature
- Interrelated or interlinked
- Synthesizes Symbols e. g. National Anthem
Types
Primary Institutions
Basic institutions found in primitive societies like religion family marriage etc. are primary in character
Secondary Institutions
- when the society is grown in size and becomes complex
- institutions become progressive and are evolved to cater the secondary needs of people
- E. g. live-in relationships, education, law, etc.
Sumner classified institutions as:
Enacted Institutions
institution set up consciously and purposefully in a planned way are enacted
Crescive Institutions
- Like primary institutions
- institutions which evolved and developed naturally and unconsciously
What Are the Functions of Social Institutions?
- They cater to the satisfaction of needs
- They provide the ways and also the means to fulfil fundamental
- They control human behaviour
- Institutions regulate the system of social behaviour
- They tell members of the society what is allowed and what is not
- They simplify actions for the individual
MCQs
1. Marriage is a
(a) Folkway
(b) More
(c) Social institution
(d) Social norm
Ans. (c)
2. Which of the following is an institution?
(a) Family
(b) Leadership
(c) Social Movements
(d) Environment
Ans. (a)
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✍ Manishika