Introduction
Modern human society is a complex system, the existence of which is possible only thanks to the presence of social institutions. They set the rules of behavior, dictate the norms of morality, prescribe to perform some actions and prohibit others (Opp, 2018). In addition, they are designed to regulate social relations in various spheres of society. Even though these institutions are constantly undergoing changes dictated by the spheres of human life, they play an invariable role in the formation of the individual.
Main body
Family is a rightfully pivotal social institution as it is responsible for a human’s development from birth. It should be considered not just as a marriage group but as a social institution, that is, a system of connections, interactions, and relationships of individuals who perform several functions (Bau & Fernández, 2021). They are reproductive (the birth of children), educational (joint upbringing of children, the formation of their fundamental values, norms, and principles of behavior), and economic (sharing resources and running a household) (Bau & Fernández, 2021). In general, it majorly defines human behavior in society.
Community is the second central element standing for the social unit united by values, culture, and other factors. It shapes one’s perception of life, defines key behavioral patterns, and teaches interaction. For instance, if a child were raised in a Christian community, it would be typical for them to attend Sunday service weekly (Burns, 2020). Whenever one stands out of the community, they have to adapt to the norms of living in a different group.
Education as a social institution is an independent system that performs the task of consistent training and education of individuals focused on obtaining specific knowledge, values, and skills. Each nation has its cultural characteristics; therefore, the institute of education is a universal means of transmitting and preserving people’s cultural traditions (Burns, 2020). It also forms the worldview of the younger generation – thanks to the values and attitudes acquired in the education process, the younger generation becomes a part of society, is socialized, and is involved in the social system.
Moreover, economics should be considered one of the varieties of social institutions. These institutions mainly satisfy a person’s social needs and the requirements of broader strata and categories of the population (Burns, 2020). This is the need for material support, which is necessary for society to exist and be able to meet emerging needs simply and successfully. In turn, politics as a social institution is a set of organizations whose responsibilities include regulating people’s political behavior by generally accepted norms, values, rules, and laws.
Finally, religion is a particular component of culture, which is one of the oldest social institutions. It regulates people’s spiritual lives by forming the meaning-forming core of being. As a social institution, religion has its structure three components. Religious consciousness (theories, teachings, traditions), the nature of which is faith in the sacred (Opp, 2018). The second component of religion as a social institution is religious actions or rituals associated with various norms, values, and significant events in a person’s life (baptism, wedding, religious rites). The third element of religion is organizations that regulate the lives of religious communities.
Conclusion
In summary, a person’s whole life is organized, directed, supported, and controlled by social institutions. The institutional system of society does not remain unchanged as the time goes by. As society develops, new social needs arise, and new institutions are formed to meet them. However, family, education, community, politics, and economics remain the most powerful in the formation of an individual and stay impactful throughout the years.
References
Bau, N., & Fernández, R. (2021). The family is a social institution. National Bureau of Economics.
Burns, A. (2020). Social institutions and the politics of recognition. Rowman & Littlefield.
Opp, K.D. (2018). Social institutions. Routledge.