Social Institutions
A social institution is a structure that structures and organizes various aspects of human life within a society in the field of sociology. In addition to meeting the basic needs of individuals, these institutions serve to maintain social cohesion, and perpetuate cultural values and norms, all of which are the building blocks of social order. Individual behavior, relationship structure, and social interaction are all influenced by them.
Generally, social institutions are patterns of behavior and organization that society recognizes and maintains as stable and enduring. A society relies on them to meet its basic human needs and organize collective activities. These institutions are ubiquitous and exist in every society, though their specific forms and functions may vary across cultures and historical periods.
It is important for social institutions to be institutionalized, which means establishing rules, norms, and customs to regulate behavior within them. As a result of institutionalization, individuals adhere to their expected roles and responsibilities, which creates predictability and stability within the social context.