Week 8: With this unit we turn from a discussion of general social structures of the society to an examination and discussion of social institutions. Institutions are the normative structures that establish the rules and groups that will accomplish certain kinds of objectives within the society. The idea of a social institution is a creation of the sociologist that helps us to organize our study by focusing upon a limited range of groups and behaviors. In general each society will have religious, educational, econonomic and political institutions. One of the key institutional areas is that of the family. It is within this normative realm that many of the key activities of the society are conducted. Here is where new members are created, where they learn to become members of the society. The family is the base from which the individuals venture into the broader society. The family is also a structure that is seen to be under attack and to be changing significantly in character.
We will discuss most of these points in this section.
Examination 2 is to be taken at the end of this week / unit.