01
Front
What is a social institution?
Back
Durable, organized patterns of social life made up of shared rules, norms, roles, and routines that help people meet recurring needs and coordinate behavior.
Free Online Flashcard Deck
2 Theories of Institutions Free Online FlashCards
Study 2 Theories of Institutions with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
12 cards
02
Front
How does an institution differ from an organization?
Back
Education is an institution; a particular school is an organization operating within it.
03
Front
How do institutions help reproduce social norms?
Back
Institutions teach expected conduct, reward conformity, and respond to violations, helping reproduce social norms.
04
Front
What does the functionalist perspective emphasize?
Back
It sees society as interdependent parts; institutions support order and continuity by meeting needs, coordinating activity, and transmitting shared values.
05
Front
What is a manifest function?
Back
A manifest function is an intended and recognized consequence of an institution.
06
Front
What is a latent function?
Back
A latent function is an unintended or less obvious consequence of an institution.
07
Front
What is an institutional dysfunction?
Back
A dysfunction is a consequence that disrupts social life or undermines people's well-being.
08
Front
What can functionalism understate?
Back
It can understate inequality and conflict by emphasizing stability and interdependence.
09
Front
What does conflict theory examine in institutions?
Back
It examines how unequal access to power and resources shapes institutions and the opportunities they distribute.
10
Front
How can institutions become arenas of struggle?
Back
They can be arenas where groups challenge rules, demand recognition, or seek a different distribution of resources.
11
Front
What is the focus of symbolic interactionism?
Back
It focuses on everyday interaction and the meanings people create and interpret.
12
Front
How are institutions reproduced through everyday interaction?
Back
People enact roles, use shared symbols, apply rules, and respond to one another in routine encounters.
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