The concept of “social institution” has different meanings depending on the context of the interpretation and the science that defines it. This article will focus on the sociological view. Despite, again, the existence of various definitions, it is generally believed that social institutions of a society are relatively stable sets of norms, beliefs, values, statuses and roles that govern some areas of public life.
Undefined is not only the meaning of the term. The role of social institutions in society is different in each case. A list of the main institutions and their functions will be given below. In general, scientists note that the social institutions of society are a replacement for instincts in human society, created during cultural development. They satisfy the various essential needs of society, and without the main ones, life in society acquires an extremely difficult character.
We proceed to the classification. The main social institutions of society include economic, political, spiritual, family groups.
The role of economic institutions is to ensure the organization of the economy, management and effective development. Property relations fix any values (mainly material) to a specific person or organization, allowing them to earn income. Salary as a social institution is a reward to the worker for the work done. This group also includes money, the market and much more.
Political institutions (army, parties, court, state, media, etc.) regulate any relations of political power in society.
Spiritual institutions (education, science, religion, etc.) support moral values in society and contribute to their further development.
The family and marriage group is the most important link in the structure of society in general, educating and supporting each individual person.
All groups and social institutions of society are closely interconnected and constantly intertwined, thus influencing each other. For example, the state performs functions not only political, but also regulates economic relations, intervenes in the spiritual spheres of society.
Social institutions of society are not strictly fixed constant phenomena: they develop over time in the same way as relations between people, culture and other factors.
Let us return to the question of the role and functions of social institutions. Scientists identify four (in addition to the above) their main tasks. First of all, this is the reproduction of members of society, the preservation of quantitative and qualitative constancy of society. The second is the preservation of the cultural, spiritual, intellectual, industrial and other heritage accumulated over the entire existence of society. The third function, rather, is noted by economists - the social institutions of society are responsible for the production, distribution and exchange of material and other goods. The latter is the management and control of society, as well as of each individual member (political wording).
It is important to note that there is such a thing as a dysfunction of a social institution. It occurs as a result of changes in social needs and the loss of importance of the institution in society.
