social structure

meaning,characteristics,and components of social structure

1. Concept, characteristics and components of social structure

2. Social Structure Structure helps us know what is expected of us Ensures stability from one generation to the next even though the actual society changes Social structure: network of interrelated statuses and roles.

3. Concept Of Social Structure Social structure is a framework consisting of social institutions (political, educational and religion), social practices (roles and statues) and social groups (primary and secondary). Social interaction is the process by which people act toward or respond to other people and is the foundation for all relationships and groups in society. It establishes a society and applies limits on behavior. It refers as the way in which a society is organized. It is a collection of people and relations in a specific geographical area.

4. Social Structure Definitions The concept of social structure has been defined in different ways by different thinkers and sociologists. According to Moris Ginsberg social structure is concerned with the principal form of social organization, i.e. types of groups, associations and institutions and the complex of these which constitute societies. Social structure thus refers to the pattern and arrangement of institutional agencies and organizations.

5. Definitions Herbert Spencer was the first thinker who wrote about structure of a society. He came up with biological analogies (organic structure and evolution) to define the social structure. According to Radcliff-Brown social structure is a part of the social structure of all social relations of person to person. In the study of social structure the concrete reality with which we are concerned is the set of actually existing relations at a given moment of time that link together certain human beings.

6. Characteristics of social structures General in nature Dependent on people Invariant Relative to place Helps society originate Persists on social interaction Focuses on abstractions

7. Elements Of Social Structure The structure of a society refers to the way society in organized. Society is organized into: Institutions Social groups Status Roles

8. Components Of Social Structure

9. Social Institutions Social institution is a set of organized belief and rules that establishes how a society will attempt to meet its basic social needs. A institution is an established and enduring pattern of social relationship. The five traditional institutions are:

10. Formal Organization Formal organizations- a highly structured group formed for the purpose of completing certain takes or achieving specific goals. For examples: United Methodist church Bank of America Goodwill CNN Pfizer Department of labor

11. Social Groups It is groups of people in which they interactions and relationships. Or, it may be defined as two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics and collectively have a sense of unity.

12. Types Of Social Groups

13. Primary Groups Primary groups are characterized by intimate and informal interaction. It is the most fundamental unit of human society. A long-lasting group, characterized by strong ties of love and affection. Do’s and don’ts of behavior learned here. Examples: Families, Gangs, Cliques, Play Groups, Friendship Groups

14. Secondary Groups Secondary groups are task oriented and characterized by impersonal and formal interaction. Groups with which the individual comes in contact later in life. characterized by impersonal, business-like, contractual, formal and casual relationship. usually large in size, not very enduring and limited relationship. People needed other people for the satisfaction of their complex needs. Examples: Industrial worker, business associates, faculty staff, company employees.

15. Comparison Of Primary And Secondary Groups Primary group Generally small Relatively long period of interaction Intimate, face-to-face association Some emotional depth to relationships Cooperative friendly Secondary group Usually large Relatively short duration, often temporary Little social intimacy or mutual understanding Relationships generally superficial More formal and impersonal

16. Statuses

17. Social Status A status is socially defined position in society characterized by certain expectation, rights, and duties. Social status, also called status, the relative rank that an individual holds, with attendant rights, duties, and lifestyle, in a social hierarchy based upon honor or prestige.

18. Types Of Statuses

19. Ascribed Status And Achieved Status Ascribed status: is a social position conferred at birth or received involuntarily later in life, based on attributes over which the individual has little or no control. Achieved status: is a social position a person assumes voluntarily as a result of personal choice, merit, or direct effort.

20. Examples of ascribed and achieved status

21. Roles Statuses are social categories but roles bring statuses to life. You occupy a status- you play a role. The set of rights, obligations, and expectations associated with a status. Roles guide our behavior and allow us to predict the behavior of others.

22. types of Roles Reciprocal Roles: define interaction with other. Can’t fulfilled alone. Example: you can’t perform the role of husband without a wife. Examples of reciprocal roles : Doctor-Patient Athlete-Coach Employee-Boss Friend-Friend Role Expectation: a group or society’s definition of the way a specific role ought to be played. Example: doctors treat their patients with skill

23. Role Performance: how a person actually plays a role. Role conflict: conflict between statuses. Example: working fulltime and having young children at home. Role strain: difficulty meeting the role of a single status. Example: Boss trying to motivate employees while having to lower their salaries.

24. Conclusion Social structure: network of interrelated statuses and roles. Status: defines where you fit in society. Ascribed status: assigned Achieved status: role you achieve through your own efforts. Master status: one rank that determines your social identity. Role: you play-bring statuses of life. Reciprocal roles: define interaction with others. Role Expectation: socially determined expected behaviors. Role conflict: conflict between statuses. Role strain: difficulty meeting the role of a single status.