Elucidate the concept of Social Structure
Elucidate the concept of Social Structure
Introduction
It allows performing most of the activities of everyday life with some efficiency.
It spares us from hundreds the humans perform of all those little jobs that would otherwise have to be performed before every small act, and it also gives groups and societies a degree of stability and continuity.
Social structure is basically the social reality, which influences our daily life.
Meaning
The concept of social structure embraces the concept of social organization.
Social structure is concerned with the principal forms of social organization, that is, types of groups, associations and institutions.
Now let us see what the term organization means.
The term organization means an arrangement of persons or parts.
CHARACTERISTICS
Human beings, organized for pursuing common objectives and aims, create it.
To fulfil the aim, social structure must be based upon certain principles.
They are as follows: –
1) Normative system:
Normative system renders the society with the ideals and values.
The institutions and associations are inter-related according to these norms.
2) Position system:
Position system refers to statuses and roles of the individuals.
The desires and aspirations of the individual are varied.
3) Sanction system:
For the proper enforcement of norms, every society has a sanction system.
A society’s perspective can also be understood through the rewards, punishments, or penalties it prescribes.
The co-ordination of different parts of the social structure depends upon the conformity to social norms.
4) A system of anticipated response:
Every day we hear the words like “work ethics”, or see the play cards, which read – “city is yours, keep it clean”.
It points to the fact that individuals must realize their duties and should make efforts to fulfil them.
BASES
We have discussed earlier that it deals with the inter-connectedness of parts. As a result, the society is able to function in a harmonious manner.
Institutions, associations, groups, organizations and communities are all parts of it.
To understand the function of social structure, let us analyze its bases.
- Need to pursue a goal: –
The main constituent of social structure is human being.
Human beings have diverse attitudes and interests.
- Preparedness to accept one’s role and status: –
Every social structure bestows to its members a fixed status and a role accordingly.
In a group or society, people simply define a status.
- Norms and mores –
People socially approve ways of behavior.
Norms define the role of an individual.
This helps to make it sustained and stable.
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There is a functional relationship among the parts of a system.
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All the parts create a new entity when they are functionally related.
Elements
Social structure refers to the patterned relationships between individuals and groups within a society that help shape interactions and behaviors. Here are some key elements of social structure:
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Social Roles:
These are expected behaviors, rights, and obligations associated with a particular status in society.
For example, a teacher has the role of educating students, while students have the role of learning from the teacher.
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Social Statuses:
A status is a socially defined position within a society.
It can be ascribed (based on traits such as race, gender, or family background) or achieved (based on actions or accomplishments).
Statuses can include occupations, roles in a family, or positions in organizations.
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Social Groups:
These are collections of individuals who interact with each other and share certain characteristics and a sense of unity.
Groups can be formal (like a workplace team) or informal (like a group of friends).
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Social Institutions:
These are established and enduring patterns of social behavior.
Institutions such as family, education, religion, and government provide structure and guidelines for social life.
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Social Norms:
Norms are rules and expectations that guide behavior within a society or group.
They dictate what is considered appropriate or inappropriate in various social situations.
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Social Hierarchies:
These refer to the vertical ranking of individuals or groups within a society.
Hierarchies can be based on factors such as wealth, power, prestige, or social class.
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Social Networks:
These are the patterns of relationships that connect individuals and groups.
Networks can be formal (such as professional networks) or informal (such as friendships).
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Social Stratification:
This refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes or strata within a society.
It is often based on factors like income, education, occupation, and social status.
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Social Mobility: