Social institution

Definition

A social institution is a complex, integrated set of social norms organized around the preservation of a basic societal value. These structures and mechanisms of social order govern the behavior of individuals within a community.

Related terms

Culture: The shared beliefs, behaviors, and practices that characterize a group or society.

Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society and develop their sense of self.

Role: A set of expectations about the behavior that is associated with a particular social position in society