SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

INTRODUCTION The pattern of behaviour that culture establishes for members of the society is habits and traditional ways of doing things that have accumulated around important human functions. This pattern or habits are referred to by Sociologists as institution. Sociologists use the term ‘institution’ differently from the ways others use it. It is more than isolated, physical representation or phenomenon such as schools, hospitals, prisons etc. mores are the basis of all institutions. They became institution when they are given a higher degree of definiteness. In this unit, emphasis is placed on the concept institution, mores and relationships between institutions and mores. Social Institution Defined Patterns of behaviour that have become habit or traditional way of doing thing that have accumulated around an important human function are important in the human society. Sociologists refer to such patterns or habits as institution. As it is true with most terms, sociologists use this term quite differently from the way other people do. For instance, in everyday conversation we hear people speak of “mental institutions”, “penal institutions”, and of such buildings as orphanages and schools, as institutions. But these are not institutions in sociological sense. They are only isolated, physical representations of the abstract concept of institution. The Origin of Social Institutions All institutions have come out of mores. In this sense, institutions combine a “concept” (doctrine defining patterns of activity which are socially approved) with a “structure” (instrumentalities which provide the organizational patterns for the realization of the concept). The structure brings the concept to life and it is this connection (sparks) across the poles of thought and action that empowers institutions to serve the needs and interests of associated men (members of society). Mores are transformed into institutions when they are given a higher degree of definiteness which clearly defines the specific norms, the approved behaviour, and the organizational apparatus which men must uniformly and consistently adhere to in the daily business of satisfying their vital needs and interests. The Connection between Mores and Institutions The connection between mores and institutions is quite obvious in the case of what Sociologists called “crescive” (involving unplanned growth) institutions, which grow in a “natural”, instinctive way out of customs and mores. They are represented by the “primary institutions” of economy, marriage and religion. The connection between mores and institutions is obscured by the strong admixture of rational inventions and intention producing “enacted institutions” – banks, the Electoral College, legislatures, the stock exchange, joint stock companies, and courts. Enacted institutions are systematizations and regulations of usage, which are defined by law and approved (sanctioned) by state power. CONCLUSION Although institution is also used in everyday language, sociologists use the term differently. They establish linkages between behaviour or actions of members of the society and the prescription of the mores. This leads to the formation of habits and established ways of doing things. Beyond the mere abstractions of the institutions, Sociologists have been able to present concise meaning of the concept ‘institution’. SUMMARY In this unit, distinctions were made between popular usage of institution and sociological definition of the concept. The connection between mores and social institutions were established.