Social institutions of society: the role and functions

The concept of "social institution" has different meanings, depending on the context of interpretation and the science that defines it. In this article, emphasis will be placed on the sociological view. Despite, again, the existence of various definitions, it is generally believed that the social institutions of society are relatively stable aggregates of norms, beliefs, values, statuses and roles that govern any spheres of public life.

Uncertain is not only the meaning of the term. The role of social institutions in society is different in each case. Next, a list of the main institutions and their functions will be provided. In general, scientists note that the social institutions of society   - the replacement of instincts in human society, created in the course of cultural development. They satisfy the various essential needs of the society, and without the basic of them, life in society and at all becomes extremely difficult.

Let us pass to the classification. The main social institutions of the 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 consolidate any values (mostly material ones) for a particular person or organization, allowing them to receive income. Wages as a social institution are a reward for the worker for the work done. This group includes also money, the market and many other things.

Political institutions (the army, parties, the court, the state, the media, etc.) regulate any relations of political power in the society.

Spiritual institutions (education, science, religion, etc.) support moral values in society and contribute to their further development.

Group of family and marriage is the most important link in the structure of society in general, nurturing and supporting every single person.

All groups and social institutions of society are closely interrelated and constantly intertwined, thus influencing each other. For example, the state performs functions not only political, but also regulates economic relations, interferes with the spiritual spheres of society.

Social institutions of society are not strictly fixed constant phenomena: they develop over time as well as relations between people, culture and other factors.

Again, we 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 constants of society. The second is the preservation of the cultural, spiritual, intellectual, industrial and other legacies that have been accumulated during the entire existence of society. The third function, rather, is marked by economists - social institutions of society are responsible for the production, distribution and exchange of material and other goods. The last - the management and control of the society, as well as for each individual member (political formulation).

It is important to note that there is such a thing as the dysfunction of a social institution. It comes as a result of changing social needs and the loss of the importance of the institution in society.