Social Institutions

What are social institutions?

Purposes?

Characteristics?

What are social institutions?

They are all around us

Include: Schools, Churches PeersMilitary

Family

Legal system

Media

Purpose

Social institutions play an important role because:

1. They shape values and beliefs

2. Maintain order

3. Help societies to function

Two kinds

PersonalBecause they

affect an individuals life

Include family

ImpersonalBecause they

involve large groups of people

Include government

Characteristics

Usually have existed for a long period of time

Well established (entrenched) structure

Change occurs slowly

Each has a specific purpose-Members are held together by shared

values and beliefs

My Family In the 50's

Students are to write a brief paper about their family during the fifties. They are to interview either their parents or grandparents to find out what life was like for them during their teenage years (during the 50's). This paper should include their likes, dislikes, concerns, greatest moments, what they remember best and so on.

My Family In the 50's

You will need to prepare a list of questions before interviewing their family members. Take the information from the interview and write a short paper. (Paper should be typed with a cover page). The paper should also introduce the family member to the reader.

Due date: