Social Structures

Definition

Social structures refer to the organized patterns of relationships and social arrangements that form societies. They include institutions like family, education, religion, and government.

Related terms

Institutions: These are established laws or practices in a society such as marriage, education systems or religious organizations.

Hierarchy: This refers to a system where people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

Social Stratification: This is the division of society into levels based on factors like wealth, occupation, race etc., creating an implicit hierarchy within society.