Activities :

Organise group discussion on the functions of social institutions

Social institutions refers to the whole of roles, status, moral values, functions catering to the social needs of humans. It has organized beliefs, practices and activity systems. It is the socially approved social structure that is devised to fulfil the desires of humans.

The different functions of social institutions are:

A. : Religion is an important social institution that grew along with the civilization of humans. The different functions of religions are:

a. Protection of values: Religion helps in the preservation of values like honesty, truth, and nonviolence. These values are supported by all the religious. All of them instruct values in the life of humans.

b. Socialization: Religion is one of the main mediums of socialization. It helps in the spread of values like truth, patience, nonviolence, peace, and sacrifice.

c. Social control: Religion helps to achieve social control. It controls the life of a human by God and spiritual concepts. It helps the members to be disciplined and civilized.

d. Social Unity: Religion helps to promote the value of social Unity. Some of the religious values that promote social unity are truth, honesty, and non-violence. Religion helps to create Unity among the members by employing symbols and customs.

B. Marriage is an important social institution. It has three major functions:

a. Social sanction: Marriage provides social sanction for a man and woman to live together. Marriage provides entry to family life. It allows them to stay together and follow a life of religious, economic and cultural values. It has undergone various changes.

b. The base of the family: Marriage is the base of the family. The procreation of children, their upbringing, and nourishment take place within the family. It directs other relationships in the family and creates unity. It brings people together from a diverse social background.

c. Legal sanctity in a relationship: Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman as well as between their respective families. The child born to this marriage is the legal heir of the property of both the families. The continuity of the society is ensured through marriage and family. The relationship is guided by the law of the land also.

C. Family is an important social institution that exists in all societies. It fulfils the needs of humans. The different functions of the family are:

a.. Nourishment of the members : The family assigns a relationship to its members. The members function according to their roles. The main role of the family is to nourish its members. The grandparents take care of the children until they become grownups. Family takes care of the sick member or the weak elderly member.

b. Security and Socialisation : The family educates the children about interacting with society by socialisation. It provides skills and nourishment which are necessary for the younger members to become a part of the society as adults. It also provides social security to the members