INSTITUTIONS IN SOCIETY

WHAT IS AN INSTITUTION?

An institution is an established custom or practice; it is socially organised patterns of beliefs

and behaviour that are centred on basic social needs.

1. An institution is a custom, practice, relationship or behavioural pattern of importance in the

life of a community or society, for example, the institutions of marriage and the family.

2. The parish council is an example of an institution of government or a political institution.

3. A place where those who are mentally ill go for treatment is an example of an institution.

4. An institution is an organisation, society or corporation that has a public character; a school

where people go to learn is an example of an educational institution others include
churches, banks, hospitals, etc.

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSTITUTIONS

Institutions may be identified as a social norm and an organization.

SOCIAL NORM

A social norm is a pattern of behaviour in a particular group, community, or culture, accepted

as normal and to which an individual is expected to conform. This:

1. Helps in the formulation of the basis for the development of an organisation.

2. It endures over time.

3. It can be modified or changed.

4. Made up of norms, mores and values.

5. Influences the behaviour of members of society.

6. The institution has definite procedures, which are formed on the basis of customs and
dogmas. They prescribe the way of doing things. A marriage, as an institution, governs the
relations between the husband and wife.

ORGANIZATION
An organization is a group of people structured and managed to meet a need or to pursue
collective goals. Organizations are open systems they affect and are affected by their
environment.

1. Institutions are the means of controlling individuals. They regulate the conduct of
people in society.
2. Institutions depend upon the collective activities of the people involved.
3. Every institution has got a symbol, which may be material or non-material.
4. Every institution has some rules which must be compulsory and obeyed by
individuals. Institutions like religion, law, legislation, etc, control the behaviour of
people.
5. Institutions are more stable than other means of social control; they endure over time.
They do not undergo rapid changes. Many institutions are rigid and are relatively
permanent.
6. Institutions are formed to satisfy the primary needs of men. They have one or more
clear-cut aims and objectives.
7. Institutions have a hierarchical structure, fixed sanctions and rituals.
8. Institutions are universal; they exist in all societies and have existed at all the stages
of social development.

The family is considered as an institution in our society because:

a. It involves large numbers of people as all of us will, at one time or another, have been
involved in some sort of family group.
b. There are general social norms that govern the conduct of family life.
c. It is probably as old as our society itself as there has always been some sort of family
group in our society.

TYPES OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

1. The family
2. Education
3. Religion
4. Economics
5. Politics
6. Recreational

FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

1. ECONOMIC
This is the systems through which the resources of a country are created, used and
exchanged. It involves various elements in our society, such as producers, manufacturers,
utilities and other providers of infrastructures. It is necessary to deal with finance, the
regulation, distribution, transfer and protection of money, and capital. Examples of financial
institutions include banks, credit unions and insurance companies.

2. THE FAMILY

The family is the most basic of all institutions. In our society, it serves the individuals need
to belong and to receive and give love. Families tend to satisfy the need for care and
socialization of its members. It is viewed as the cornerstone for each individual to function in
society.

3. EDUCATIONAL

Education comprises four stages, from early childhood, primary, secondary to tertiary levels.
Education is viewed as one of the fundamental elements of development in any society. In
order to achieve sustainable economic development, it becomes necessary for a country to
invest in its human capital. Education enriches peoples understanding of themselves and the
world. It improves the quality of their lives and leads to broad social benefits to individuals
and society. Education raises peoples efficiency and ingenuity and promotes
entrepreneurship and technological advances.

RECREATIONAL

All work and no play make you a dull boy/girl. A society needs its members to be physically
and mentally healthy. If they work all the time and dont have time for some occasional
recreation, they will simply wear out and get tired. Recreation is advantageous for both
physical and psychological well-being. Recreation is an activity of leisure, with leisure being
flexible time. The need to do something for recreation is a crucial element of human biology
and psychology. Recreational activities are intended to be fun. The term recreation,
therefore implies the need to find amusement, entertainment and pleasure for individuals; and
participation in recreation enhances a healthy, refreshing mind and body.

RELIGIOUS

Religion is a way of life for most culture; it permeates every human activity. For some, it
represents the highest aspirations of human existence as religious institutions claim to carry a
message of deliverance. Religions have contributed to the peace of the world, but they have
also led to division, hatred and war. Religious institutions play a major role in social control,
in helping to promote the expected values and behaviour in a society. Religion varies
according to culture and enforces tolerance by individuals; lack of tolerance leads to more
division and even war, as mentioned before.

POLITICAL

A political institution is a system of politics and government. Political institutions are

organisations which create, enforce and apply laws, mediate conflict, make governmental
policy on the economy and social systems and, most of all, provide representation for the
people. Examples of such political institutions include political parties, trade unions and the
legal courts. Governing a country involves establishing a system of authority, setting out
rules, and regulations in an attempt to ensure that these rules are followed. The term political
institutions, may also refer to the recognised structure of rules and principles within which
the above organisations operate; such concepts as the right to vote, responsible government
and accountability are included.

ACTIVITIES

1. Identify the institutions to which you belong and explain in what way you belong to
these institutions.
2. Name four types of social norms in your society and four types of organisations that
are seen as institutions.
3. Suggest three reasons institutions are formed and explain each reason.