4. Social Structure
Social structure constitutes the framework that organizes social relationships and institutions within a society. It encompasses roles, statuses, and social institutions that influence human behavior and interactions. Understanding social structure is vital for comprehending societal functioning and the dynamics of social behavior, inequality, and individual roles.
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What we have learnt
- Social structure is a complex framework that shapes relationships, behaviors, and institutions in society.
- The components of social structure include roles, statuses, institutions, and norms guiding individual and group interactions.
- Social stratification and mobility illustrate the hierarchical nature of societal organization and the movement between social classes.
Key Concepts
- -- Social Structure
- The organized pattern of relationships, roles, institutions, and groups that form a society.
- -- Role
- A set of expectations and behaviors associated with a specific position in society.
- -- Status
- The position or rank of an individual within the social hierarchy, influencing their interactions.
- -- Social Institutions
- Established patterns of behavior that meet societal needs, such as family, education, and government.
- -- Social Stratification
- The hierarchical arrangement of individuals into different social positions based on factors like wealth and power.
- -- Social Mobility
- The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social ladder based on changes in occupation or education.
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