Assignment

Social institutions
Society is made up of individuals, each with their own unique needs
and desires. To fulfill these needs, people interact and behave in
ways that are shaped by shared customs and norms. These norms
help create order and guide behavior within a community.
As people come together to meet their needs—whether for family,
education, work, or social connection—they naturally form social
institutions. These institutions, such as families, schools,
governments, and workplaces, emerge from collective efforts and
shared values. They provide structure and stability, ensuring that
individuals can pursue their goals while contributing to the well-being
of the larger community.
At its core, society is a web of relationships, shaped by traditions and
rules that help people navigate life. And while institutions give
structure, their true purpose is to support human needs—fostering
connection, security, and growth for everyone involved.
There are various units of society such as –

o Caste
Caste is a social institution that structures human relationships based
on hereditary status, occupational roles, and social hierarchy. Caste is
deeply rooted in historical traditions and our cultural practices ,
especially in societies of India , Nepal , Srilanka , Africa and Southeast
Asia . Caste influences various aspects of our life like social interaction,
marriage , politics and economic opportunities.
1. Caste as a social stratification :
Caste functions as a closed she stem and social stratification , meaning
that individuals are born into a specific caste and have limited mobility
to change their social status. Unlike class-based systems, where social
mobility is possible through wealth or education, caste status is
ascribed at birth and remains relatively fixed.

2. Caste and occupational roles : caste system has dictated some

occupational roles according to which the society has to function
 , in Indian society the varna system consists of different caste
groups which are associated with specific professions - Bhramins
: priests , scholars , teachers ; Kshatriyas : warriors and rulers ;
Vaishyas: merchant and traders ; shudras : labourers and artisans
; Dalits : untouchables, menial jobs

3.Endogamy and social control :

One of the defining features of caste as a social institution is endogamy,

meaning that individuals are expected to marry within their own caste.
This practice helps maintain the caste hierarchy and reinforces
traditional values. Social norms and family pressure often enforce
endogamy, and violations can lead to social ostracism discrimination,
or even violence in some communities.

4.Political and economic influence :

Caste plays a crucial role in politics and economics, particularly in

countries where it is deeply embedded in social life. Political parties
often appeal to caste identities to gain support, and caste-based
affirmative action policies such as reservations , aims to uplift
historically marginalised groups .

5. Social change and challenges to caste system : while caste

has always been rigid, with time modernisation,
urbanisation and legal reforms has challenged it’s influence
- constitutional protections and affirmative action for lower
castes ; inter caste marriages encouraged by progressive
social movement; educate d economic mobility enabled
students to transcend caste barriers .

Caste, as a social institution, shapes people’s lives by influencing their

identity, occupation, social relationships, and access to opportunities.
Although its significance has declined due to modernization and legal
reforms, it continues to impact social and economic structures in
various societies. The challenge remains to eliminate caste based
discrimination while respecting cultural diversity and historical
contexts.
Religion

Religion shapes believes , behaviour and social structure within a

society , it provide individuals with a sense of purpose , moral
guidance and social cohesion . Religion also influences cultural
values , legal systems , education , politics , and even economic
activities.
Religion as a social institution: A social institution is a system of
norms, values, and practices that organize human behavior.
Religion, as a social institution, consists of - sacred beliefs and
symbols ( eg god , scriptures , rituals ) ; religious practices and
rituals ; moral and ethical guidelines ; organised religious
structures and a sense of belonging .
Functions of religion in society : social cohesion and identity -
religion brings people together creates a sense of community and
belonging . Religious gatherings , festivals, and rituals foster unity
and shared identity among followers. For example, Christmas
Diwali , Eid strengthen cultural and familial ties .
Social control and moral order - religion, establishes social, and
moral quotes that regulates individual and group behaviour ,
religion encourages virtues likes honesty , kindness and charity .
Fear of divine punishment or karma deters immoral actions,
reinforcing societal rules.
Psychological and emotional support : religions helps people to
cope with hardships, loss, and uncertainties by offering hope ,
comfort, and a sense of purpose . Many people turn to faith in
terms of crisis. For example, in condition of illness .
In influence of politics and law : religion, institution of shape,
political ideologies, and governance for example the religious
foundation of law in many societies, the role of Catholic church in
mediaeval European era .
Social change and reform : religion has played an important role
in terms of changing social terms and reforming them inspiring
moments of justice and equality for example the civil rights
movement in USA , Gandhi’s non-violent resistance rooted in
Hindu and Jainism principles .

3.Relight and social stratification: religion can both challenge and

influence social hierarchy , reinforcement of social hierarchy- cast
 system in Hinduism , religious authority, and patriarchy . Agent of
social change - interfere dialogues promote religious tolerance,
religious reforms, challenges, outdated customs for example,
abolition of sati in India .

4.Secularisation and modern changes : secularisation- the decline

of religious influence in governance and daily life. religious
conflict- Differences in beliefs leading to social tensions or
extremism.

Religion, as a social institution, shapes cultural norms, social

structures, and individual behavior. While it provides moral
guidance, social cohesion, and emotional support, it also plays a
role in social hierarchy and political influence. As societies
modernize, religion adapts to changing values, continuing to
impact human lives in.

o Family

It is the lowest unit of social organisation.

Family is the most fundamental unit of social institution ,
family play a crucial role in shaping individual and the society.
It is the primary unit of socialisation, providing emotional,
economic, and social support while ensuring the continuity of
cultural values and traditions. As a social institution, the family
is responsible for the reproduction, upbringing, and care of its
members, forming the foundation of social order.
A family can be defined as a small group characterised by face
to face relations and the members, are inter-related by kinship
or marriage. Family exists within the society. It can be
considered as a social system which exerts influence over the
society. A society can’t survive without family.
The family system is found in all societies. Family bonds and
type of family differs from one society to another. E.g.: In India,
the family bonds are very strong.
Types of family structure -
A Based on composition
 Nuclear family: a household consisting of their parents
and children
 Join family: common in South Asian societies, where
multiple generations live together and share
responsibilities .
 Extended family: a family, including grandparents, uncles
auntie’s and cousins, living together and maintaining
close ties
B Based on Authority
 patriarchal family: authority rests with the father of the

eldest male member of the family .

 Matriarchal family : the mother of the eldest female of the
family holds the authority
 Egalitarian family : both parents share equal decision
making power .
C. Based on residance
 patrilocal : the couple lives with the husband‘s family
 Matrilocal : the couple recites with wife’s family
 Neolocal : the couple establishes their own household and
live separately .

Functions of family as social institution

A Biologocal and reproductive function - the family ensures
procreation and the continuation of society through
reproduction.
B. Socialisation function - children learn social terms, values.
And traditions within the family. Parents and elders acts as the
primary source of socialisation.
C. Economic function - family provides financial support,
inheritance, and division of labour in traditional societies,
family based labour are common .
D. Emotional and psychological support - the family offers,
love, care, and emotion security to its members family also acts
as a big support system during crisis .
E. Social control - Family enforces discipline, cultural values,
and moral behaviour .

Family and social change : with modernisation, urbanisation,

and industrialisation family structures has also evolved
nowadays there is decline of joint families and rise of nuclear
families in urban areas , increase in total income families we
are both parents work , higher rates of single parents,
households, and divorces , also there is emergence of same sex
families and blended families in many societies .

Family as a social institution is the foundation of socialisation,

emotional, security, and cultural transmission. While revolving
with time,It continues to shape individual by family system .
Family is the most fundamental unit of social institution ,
family play a crucial role in shaping individual and the society.
It is the primary unit of socialisation, providing emotional,
economic, and social support while ensuring the continuity of
cultural values and traditions. As a social institution, the family
is responsible for the reproduction, upbringing, and care of its
members, forming the foundation of social order.
A family can be defined as a small group characterised by face
to face relations and the members, are inter-related by kinship
or marriage. Family exists within the society. It can be
considered as a social system which exerts influence over the
society. A society can’t survive without family.
The family system is found in all societies. Family bonds and
type of family differs from one society to another. E.g.: In India,
the family bonds are very strong.
Types of family structure -
A Based on composition
  Nuclear family: a household consisting of their parents
and children
 Join family: common in South Asian societies, where
multiple generations live together and share
responsibilities .
 Extended family: a family, including grandparents, uncles
auntie’s and cousins, living together and maintaining
close ties
B Based on Authority
 patriarchal family: authority rests with the father of the
eldest male member of the family .
 Matriarchal family : the mother of the eldest female of the

family holds the authority

 Egalitarian family : both parents share equal decision
making power .
C. Based on residance
 patrilocal : the couple lives with the husband‘s family
 Matrilocal : the couple recites with wife’s family
 Neolocal : the couple establishes their own household and
live separately .
Functions of family as social institution
A Biologocal and reproductive function - the family ensures
procreation and the continuation of society through
reproduction.
B. Socialisation function - children learn social terms, values.
And traditions within the family. Parents and elders acts as the
primary source of socialisation.
C. Economic function - family provides financial support,
inheritance, and division of labour in traditional societies,
family based labour are common .
D. Emotional and psychological support - the family offers,
love, care, and emotion security to its members family also acts
as a big support system during crisis .
E. Social control - Family enforces discipline, cultural values,
and moral behaviour .
Family and social change : with modernisation, urbanisation,
and industrialisation family structures has also evolved
nowadays there is decline of joint families and rise of nuclear
families in urban areas , increase in total income families we
are both parents work , higher rates of single parents,
households, and divorces , also there is emergence of same sex
families and blended families in many societies .

Family as a social institution is the foundation of socialisation,

emotional, security, and cultural transmission. While revolving
with time,It continues to shape.
, Individual by providing stability.

Marriage

Marriage is a social institution that establishes legally and socially

recognised bonds between individuals, typically involving rights,
responsibilities and expectations related to family , reproduction
And economic cooperation . It serves as a fundamental structure for
organising relationship relationships, regulating sexual behaviour and
ensuring social stability across cultures and societies .

Arranged marriages were normal in Indian society from the historical

Vedic era and it is still viewed in maximum Indian families. Parents take
an important role for their marriage ready son or daughter. They
choose prospective bride or groom for their son or daughter to
marry. Some peoples are against of this marriage system. According to
them marriage is a system of completions of a girl’s and boy’s mind
fillings to each other. They provide value of love marriage and offer
freedom of their child to choose their life partner. The tradition of
arranged marriage is still continuing today in India but some changes
are noticed in this marriage process. Today, parents are anxious about
the life of their child and take the consent of their kid, before deciding
the marriage. Over the time, people have understood that marriages
can only be successful when the parents or family do not force their
children to marry someone he or she doesn’t want to marry. Excellent
arranged marriage happen when the parents help their children to find
their life partners according to their own choice. Parents organize for
marriage-ready sons and daughters to meet with multiple potential
spouses with an accepted right of refusal. When older family members
begin a discussion on the matter of their son or daughter approaches
and express the desire to be married. This relative effectively acts as a
sponsor, taking responsibility to get the boy or girl married to a good
partner. After independence India become more economically strong,
as a result some social changes and female liberation are found today
in India. Some Modern Indian people are favor of love marriage where
the first contact with prospective spouses does not involve the parents
or family members. In earlier times of marriages were considered out
of tradition. But as the as we are moving towards modernisation,
urbanisation and industrialisation, we can see that people prefer love
marriages more than the arrange marriages. People have their own
different mindset rather than following the same old tradition.
However, there is still resistance faced in many parts of the country due
to deeply rooted cultural and religious values and caste based
traditions .
Marriages are something which are to be bonded with love, but instead,
because of earlier traditions, they are being wanted. Overcast caste
system has deeply affected the marriage system. Cast based marriages
are often viewed as a way of preserving social hierarchy , tradition,
family honour .

o Class

Class is a social institution that structures based on economic , social

and professional status . It determines individuals access to resources ,
opportunities and privileges , influencing their -quality of life ,
education , occupation and social mobility . Unlike caste which is based
on birth and remains rigid , social class allows for mobility based on
wealth , education and achievements.
A. Hierarchical structure of class - society is divided into different
classes typically categorised as upper class , middle class and lower
class each with varying levels of wealth , power and influence.
B. Economic basis - class is largely determined by income, occupation,
property, and education making it open system of stratification where
mobility is also possible.
C. Social mobility- individuals can move upward (higher class) or
downward ( lower class) based on their education , profession , and
financial success . Societies with greater opportunities have higher
social mobility.
D. Influence on lifestyle and opportunities- social class affects access to
education, healthcare , housing , and job opportunities. Higher class
individuals often have better social networks and cultural capital giving
them more advantages .

Types of social class - upper class , middle class and Lower class
Upper class : Includes wealthy business owners, industrialists, high-
ranking professionals, and elites. Includes high political and economic
power , controls large scale industries media and financial institutions
.
Middle class : Includes professionals, small business owners, teachers,
and skilled workers . Focuses on education , career growth and financial
stability .
Lower class : Includes daily wage laborers, factory workers, and
unemployed individuals. Struggles with poverty , have limited
resources and limited access to quality education and healthcare . Often
dependant for support .

Functions of social class -

A. Division of labour : Creates specialization in jobs, with different
classes contributing to economic productivity .
B. Social organisation : helps in distribution of power , wealth and
responsibilities within society .
C. Social mobility and competition: encourages individuals to strive for
huger status through education and career advancement.
D. Cultural and social identity: class shapes a persons lifestyle values
and interactions with others in society .
Despite the changes class distinctions still influence power dynamics ,
social mobility and economic policies in modern societies .
Social institutions play a fundamental role in shaping human society by
providing structure, stability, and order. They regulate behavior, fulfill
essential needs, and ensure the smooth functioning of communities.
Institutions such as family , education, religion, economy and
government influence individuals life guiding their interactions, beliefs,
and opportunities.
While social institutions evolve over time due to modernisation,
globalisation , and technical advancement, their core function remains
the same: to maintain social cohesion and address the needs of
individuals and society. However, they are not without challenges, as
inequalities, rigid traditions, and structural limitations can sometimes
create barriers to progress.
Understanding social institutions helps us critically analyze their
impact on society and work toward more inclusive , equitable and
adaptable systems that support collective well-being. As society
continues to change, institutions must also evolve to meet the demands
of contemporary life while preserving their essential functions.