International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

Exploring the Prominent Role of Social Institutions in Society

Citation: Baral. R. (2023). Exploring the prominent role of social institutions in society. International Research

Journal of MMC, 4(2), 68–74. https://doi.org/10.3126/irjmmc.v4i2.56015

4.0 International License.

Social institutions are the patterns that define and regulate the acceptable behavior of

norms by teaching individuals about their society and its history, and it also imparts values

such as respect for authority and responsibility. Media, including television, newspapers, and

social media, plays a crucial role in shaping social norms and values by disseminating

information and influencing public opinion. Government and legal institutions impose social

norms through laws and regulations, and shape values through policies and initiatives. This

article has been prepared by going through a comprehensive overview of literature reviews

regarding social institutions. The qualitative data required for this article have been taken

from books and journal articles. Its significance lies in providing structures and patterns that

reinforce moral frameworks, rules and regulations required for the cohesion and stability of

society.

critical role in shaping social norms and values that are the reflections of the culture, history,

and social structures of a society, and they help to create a sense of order and cohesion within

that society. They can be classified into several dimensions, including the structural

dimension, which refers to the organization and hierarchy of institutions, the cultural

dimension, which refers to the beliefs and values that shape social behavior, and the historical

dimension, which refers to the evolution and change of institutions over time. Social

institutions perform various functions that are crucial for the functioning of society. One of

the primary functions of social institutions is to provide socialization, education, and training

to individuals. This function is fulfilled by institutions such as the family, education, and

International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

and values, but this article deals only with family, religion, education, media and government

as major social institutions. One of the most important of them is the family. It is the first

social institution that individuals encounter, and it plays a critical role in teaching individuals

the basic norms and values of their culture. Parents and other family members teach children

how to behave, how to interact with others, and what is considered acceptable behavior

within their society. Religion is another important social institution that plays a role in

shaping social norms and values. It provides a moral framework and a sense of community

for individuals. It helps to reinforce the norms and values that are taught within families and

provide a sense of meaning and purpose to people's lives. Religious institutions also provide a

way for people to come together and support one another by creating a sense of social

media, disseminates information and influences public opinion, which can have a significant

impact on the values and beliefs of individuals within their society. The media can also serve

as a platform for the promotion of certain values and ideas, which can help to shape social

norms and values over time. Similarly, governments and legal systems enforce social norms

through laws and regulations, and they help to shape values through policies and initiatives.

Governments also provide a framework for social interaction, including rules for how people

should interact with one another and how disputes should be resolved. By enforcing these

rules and regulations, governments help to create a sense of order and stability within society.

This article, which is based on the secondary qualitative data taken from relevant books and

and impact of social institutions is essential for policymakers, academics, and citizens alike,

as they do not only help us better understand the dynamics of our society and the potential for

In this literature review, the researcher has presented the reviews of only five sorts of

social institutions, namely family, religion, education, media and government along with their

pivotal roles in society.

Family is one of the most fundamental social institutions. It plays a significant role in

shaping social norms and values. The family unit consists of individuals, and these

International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

roles, communication styles, and conflict resolution (Volling, Kennedy, & Jackey, 2010).

Kagitcibasi (2007) asserts that the family is the primary agent of socialization. Family

members learn from one another about what is considered acceptable behavior and values,

such as respect for authority, honesty, and responsibility. The family unit provides a stable

and consistent environment where children can learn social norms and values that will guide

their behavior throughout their lives. Moreover, family members serve as role models for

each other, and the behavior of parents and other family members can significantly influence

children's behavior and beliefs. Families instill values such as loyalty, trust, and commitment

in their children (Mooney, 2013). These values are essential for building strong relationships

and maintaining social cohesion. Moreover, the family unit can also instill values such as

compassion (Beyer, et al., 2014) .Religious institutions provide a set of moral and ethical

guidelines that dictate how individuals should behave. Religious institutions can influence

behavior by creating norms around issues such as sex, alcohol consumption, and gambling

(Adler & Fagley, 2005). Such institutions have also been found to play a significant role in

shaping social norms and values. Religious affiliation and participation are associated with

increased adherence to traditional values and social norms (Beyerlein & Hipp, 2006).

Religious institutions provide a moral framework for individuals, and their teachings often

emphasize the importance of community and social responsibility. Religious beliefs and

practices can also serve as a source of social identity, helping to create a sense of belonging

and shared values among individuals within a society (Putnam, Campbell, & Garrett, 2010).

Education is a powerful social institution. Formal education systems provide

individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to participate in society and

understanding of the expectations and behaviors that are considered acceptable within a

society. Schools and universities provide individuals with opportunities to learn about the

history, culture, and social structures of their communities, which can shape their perception

of what is considered normal or acceptable behavior It is another social institution that plays

a crucial role in shaping social norms and values. A large body of literature has explored the

impact of education on social norms and values. Education can help to reinforce values such

International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

Education plays a crucial role in shaping social norms by providing individuals with the

knowledge and skills necessary to function in society (Ramirez & Boli, 1987). Schools and

universities provide individuals with opportunities to learn about the history, culture, and

social structures of their communities, which can shape their perception of what is considered

normal or acceptable behavior. Education can promote values such as critical thinking,

empathy, and creativity, which can shape the values of individuals within a society (Kohn,

1999). Educational institutions create a shared understanding of what is considered normal or

acceptable behavior and promote values such as respect, responsibility, and civic

engagement; however they can sometimes reproduce existing social inequalities by

perpetuating values and norms that reinforce existing power structures (Apple, 1990).

researchers have noted that the media can serve as a powerful agent of socialization,

particularly for children and adolescents who may be more susceptible to media messages. It

can create norms around issues such as beauty standards, violence, and sexuality (Ferguson,

2007). It plays a significant role in shaping social norms by influencing individuals'

perceptions of what is considered normal or acceptable behavior (Scheufele & Tewksbury,

2007)). It can create a shared understanding of social norms by portraying certain behaviors

or values as desirable or undesirable. It can provide individuals with information about social

issues, which can shape their perceptions and values (Carpini & Williams, 2001). It can

promote social values such as democracy, human rights, and social justice by providing

information and education about these issues. It can perpetuate existing social inequalities by

Government and legal institutions are also key agents of socialization that shape social norms

and values. The fairness and legitimacy of legal institutions can influence an individual's

willingness to comply with laws and social norms (Tyler & Huo, 2002) . In addition,

behaviors and discouraging others. Policies promoting gender equality have helped to shift

societal norms and values in many countries, leading to greater opportunities and rights for

women (Brinton & Nee, 1998). It has a critical role in shaping social norms. Government

policies and regulations can establish norms around various social issues, including human

rights, environmental protection, and public health (Scholte, 2005). Similarly, regulations that

promote environmental protection can establish norms of responsible behavior towards the

International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

A comprehensive search of academic databases, including Google Scholar, JSTOR,

and ProQuest, was conducted to identify relevant articles, books, and other sources related to

the role of social institutions in shaping social norms and values. The search terms used

included "social institutions,", "social norms," "values," "family," "religion," "education,"

“media” and "government”. These search terms were chosen to ensure a comprehensive

review of the literature on the topic. The study was qualitative in nature and the terms

mentioned above were the qualitative secondary data. The method and materials used in this

literature review reflect a rigorous and systematic approach to understanding the role of

social institutions in shaping social norms and values. By conducting a comprehensive search

of the literature and analyzing and synthesizing the findings from high-quality sources, this

and values that are expected of them in their society, and these are reinforced by the various

social institutions that they encounter throughout their lives. Families teach children about the

importance of respect, honesty, and responsibility, while schools reinforce the value of hard

work and academic achievement. Religion and government also play a momentous role in

shaping social norms and values. Religious institutions provide guidance on moral and ethical

issues. The media is another important social institution that shapes social norms and values.

Through television, movies, music, and other forms of media, individuals are exposed to a

wide range of cultural norms and values that can influence their own beliefs and behavior,

while governments set laws and regulations that promote certain values and behaviors. The

role of social institutions in shaping social norms and values is complex and multifaceted. It

social institutions operate and shape social norms and values is crucial to addressing social

issues and promoting positive changes. By recognizing the power and influence of social

institutions, individuals can work to challenge harmful norms and promote more equitable

values is essential for creating a more equitable and upright society.

Adler, M. G., & Fagley, N. S. (2005). Appreciation: Individual differences in finding value

International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

Brinton, M., & Nee, V. (1998). The new institutionalism in sociology. New York: Russell

Carpini, M. X., & Williams, B. A. (2001). Let us infotain you: Politics in the new media age.

Durkheim, E. (1915). The elementary forms of the religious life: A study in religious

Kagitcibasi, C. (2007). Family, self, and human development across cultures: Theory and

Kaldjian, L. C. (2017). Concepts of health, ethics, and communication in shared decision

Kohn, M. L., & Schooler, C. (1982). Job conditions and personality: A longitudinal

McQuail, D. (2010). McMcQuail’s Mass Communication Theory (6th ed.). (6th ed.). London:

Mooney, C. G. (2013). Theories of childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori,

Putnam, R. D., Campbell, D. E., & Garrett, S. R. (2010). American grace: How religion

Ramirez, F. O., & Boli, J. (1987). The political construction of mass schooling: European

Raudenbush, S. W., & Willms, J. (1995). The estimation of school effects. Journal of

International Research Journal of MMC (IRJMMC)

Volume 4(2), 2023 ISSN 2717-4999 (Online) 2717-4980 (Print)

Open Access

Scholte, J. (2005). Globalization: A critical introduction. Basingstroke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Tyler, T. R., & Huo, Y. J. (2002). Trust in the law: Encouraging public cooperation with the

Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2013). The differential susceptibility to media effects model.

Volling, B. L., Kennedy, D. E., & Jackey, L. M. (2010). The development of sibling jealousy .

Wartella, E., & Reeves, B. (1985). Historical trends in research on children and the media: