Introduction to Social Institutions

Question 1

Social Institutions

Answer 1

They are the organized way a society develops to meet its basic needs (ex. people develop schools to educate the population and contribute to the economy).
Social scientists have found that all societies develop at least 5 basic social institutions.

Question 1

5 Basic Social Institutions

Answer 1

• Families
• Economic Institutions
• Political Institutions
• Educational Institutions
• Religious Institutions

Question 2

Families

Answer 2

• Help society’s members replace themselves
• Provides protection for the next generation
• Socialize the young/pass on culture and traditions

Question 3

Economic Institutions

Answer 3

• Helps society’s members meet their physical needs
• Began as basic hunting/gathering groups and moved toward giant multinational corporations.
• Includes farms, banks, businesses and so on

Question 4

Political Institutions (Government)

Answer 4

• Assist society in decision making, allocating money, creating laws, etc
• Empowers individuals
• Requires that all members agree to the decisions made (democracy)

Question 5

Educational Institutions

Answer 5

Organizes the way society passes on its culture, knowledge, and values from one generation to another.

Question 6

Religious Institutions

Answer 6

• Helps people find an ultimate purpose in their lives
• Aids in developing the spiritual side of society
• Provides guidelines for personal behaviour and social interaction