Types of social institutions and it's Characteristics

Social institutions are an essential aspect of any functioning society. They are a set of interrelated customs, policies, and rules that have been created to satisfy society’s basic needs. in this post we are going to see Types of social institutions.

Table of Contents

There are two types of institutions:

There are two types of institutions: Basic social institutions and Secondary social institutions.

Basic social institutions

Basic social institutions are necessary for the existence of society because they fulfill basic human needs.

Examples – family, state, economy, and religion.

Secondary social institutions

Secondary social institutions are not as important for sustaining human existence, as they fulfill needs that are not mandatory.

Examples-entertainment and sports institutes.

W. G. Sumner classified social institutions into two types,

William Graham Sumner in his book ‘Folkways’ classified social institutions into two types,

1) Crescive social institutions

Crescive social institutions are those that are formed spontaneously by social rules gradually coming into existence, and later becoming stable. These institutions are not formed consciously and include family, marriage, property, and religious institutions.

2) Enacted social institutions

Enacted social institutions, on the other hand, are formed deliberately to fulfill a specific purpose at a specific time. These institutions are legally established and include institutions such as law, education, state, economy, and courts.

Characteristics of social institutions

Institutions are purposeful establishments with specific objectives and goals.
Social institutions are relatively stable and permanent in nature.
Institutions have a structured and organized composition.
The organization of institutions is an integrated creation with interrelated parts.
The development of institutions is often unplanned and evolves over time.
The formation of institutions can be informal or formal.
Institutions have identifiable symbols and signs that distinguish them from other institutions.
There is a code of behavior associated with each institution that guides the actions of its members.
Social institutions are made up of various organizational agencies and institutions.
Institutions are interrelated and interdependent, with each one affecting the functioning of others.
The nature and form of social institutions vary from society to society, based on cultural and historical factors.

Types of Social Institutions in Marathi:- सामाजिक संस्थांचे प्रकार