Dr. Christopher C. A.

BSc., PGCE, MSCP, PhD

SOC 112 INTRO. TO SOCIOLOGY

Unit 4:Social Structure

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:-

1.Explain the meaning of social structure.

2.Rate the importance of social structure based on their impacts to the society.

3.Create organizational structure in the workplace in view of the knowledge gained from social structure.

4. Apply the elements of social structure to their intended professions.

Social Structure Meaning/Definition of Social Structure

Social Structure refers to the way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships.

Example: Social structure of Zimbardo’s mock prison

Importance of Social Structure

Importance of Social Structure lies in the fact that

it enhances:-

1. Social Interaction

2. Healthy Relationships

3. Human Health

4. Education/Enlightenment

5. Production & Distribution of goods & services

6. Other Human Activities

5 Elements of Social Structure

1. Social Status – A term used by sociologists to refer to any of the full range of socially defined positions within a large group or society (e.g. president, son, male, husband, friend, father,…)

2 MAIN CATEGORIES OF SOCIAL STATUS:- Ascribed Status (gender, age, race, family

background, kinship, region, class, caste, religion)

Achieved Status (occupation, marital, political, educational, parental…)

- Technical Terms about Social Roles:-

Status Set Continuous StatusMaster Status – A status that dominates others

& thereby determines a person’s general position in society (a known footballer – died of AIDS)

Rank Status Inconsistency Symbol

2. Social Roles

A Social Role is a set of expectations for people who occupy a given social position or status (e.g. taxi drivers, receptionists, police officers, etc)

- Technical Terms about Social Roles:- Role Set Ideal Role Perceived Role Actual Role

Challenges To Social Roles

Role Conflict – when incompatible expectations arise from two or more social positions held by the same person

Role Strain – difficulty that arises when the same social position imposes conflicting demands & expectations

Role Exit – process of disengagement from a role that is central to one’s self-identity in order to establish a new role and identity (role impairment)

3. Social Groups

A Group is any number of people with similar norms, values, and expectations who interact with one another on a regular basis (classmates, sports team, co-workers, etc)

Video clip: Social Systems Theory

[Reflection]

2 Major Categories of Social Group

(A) Primary Group – face to face, intimate, total, long period of interaction, as a person, etc.

(B) Secondary Group – impersonal, playing a role, segmental

2 Subtypes of Secondary Group Formal Organization Voluntary Associations

4. Social Networks

Social Network

A series of social relationships that links a person

directly to others, and through them indirectly to still

more people (sharing job information, exchanging

news & gossip, sharing sex, etc.)

5. Social Institutions

Social Institution is an organized pattern of beliefs and behavior centered on basic social needs, such as replacing personnel (the family) and preserving order (government)

- Social institutions give sociologists insight into social structure

Examples of Social Institutions

1. Family Institution

2. Economic Institution

3. Political Institution (Government)

4. Religious Institution

5. Educational Institution

6. Mass Media

7. Health Care System