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The Influence of Social Institutions: Family, Religion and Education

Elizabeth Bouer

SOC/100

May 30, 2016
Dr. Karly Way Schauwecker

The Influence of Social Institutions: Family, Religion and Education

Early philosopher and originator of Functionalism theory, Herbert Spence (1820-1903), compared parallels between the function of the human anatomy and society. “He argued that just as the various organs of the body work together to keep the body functioning, the various parts of society work together to keep society functioning” (OpenStax CNX, 2015, p.15 ). Just as the body has organs that help it to exist and thrive, society also has key components which attribute to its overall success. These essential parts of the successful and fluid existence of a society are referred to as social institutions. Social institutions are structures of principles or conducts, focused on achieving social needs. Six critically significant, outlines of social institutions are: government, education, family, healthcare, religion and the economy (CNX, 2015). Government has its benefits, in that it helps to structure, regulate and organize a society. Healthcare is an essential component, not only for the continuity of existence, but as well as for continuance of reaching full/highest human potential. The economy (more specifically its success), is a critical element for a society’s ability to endure, succeed and grow. However, for many, out of the six institutions, the three most demonstrated and distinctive are: family, religion and education. Whether or not people are healthy, wealthy or in tune with their government, they are always in control and possession of their familial identity, religion and education. These core institutions become key essentials and unwavering fundamentals to overall self-satisfaction and individual success. They are at

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