Social structure

Definitions of different sociologists are given below:

Morris Ginsberg’s: The complex of principles groups and institutions which constitute
societies.
Radcliffe Brown’s view: “Society is not an object but it is much like a creative”
Parson’s view: “Social structure is a term applied to the particular arrangement of the
interrelated institutions, agencies and social patterns”

The term structure has been applied to human societies since the 19th century. Before that time,
its use was more common in other fields such as construction or biology. British sociologist and
biologist Herbert Spencer was the first to introduce the idea of social structure. He
metaphorically called a society as an organism but his view of society was confused.

Social structure refers to the relationships between groups of individual in a society.. In a society.
Society is always encompass of individuals. Individuals always associate themselves in a groups
according to their interest and social status etc. Together it form a network of interaction and it
makes the social structure of society

Social structure is considered to be important and basic concept of sociology. It has variety of
definitions which explain the social interaction between different relationship, including teacher
and student, doctor and patient, employers and employee, parents and children Moreover, Social
structure is a phenomena which is made of pieces structural forms which are arranged in,
and interrelated way to enable the society to function in harmonious manner. Social
structure is made of social organization. Examples of social structure are: Marriage, family,
education, religion, economics and political institution etc. Like a living organism these social
institution have structures as well as function.

Types of social structure :

Normative structure: It refers to the pattern of relations in given structure between modes of
operation and norms of people varying social position.

Ideal structure: It refers to the pattern of relations in given structure between beliefs and views
of people of varying social position.
Interest structure: It refers to the pattern of relations in given structure between goals and
desires of people of varying social position.

Interacting structure: It refers to the pattern forms of communication of people of varying

social position.

Elements of social structure:

In a social structure the human beings organize themselves into associations for the pursuit of
some object or objects. It can be achieved if it is based are on the following principles.

 Normative system: The term normative system term presents the society with the ideals
and values. The people of a society attach emotional importance to these norms. The
individuals perform their roles in accordance with the accepted norms of society. For
example: violence is not influence by anyone.
 Position system: The term position system refers to the statuses and roles of the
individuals. The aspiration, wants, and expectations of the individuals are varied,
multiple and unlimited. So these can be fulfilled only if the members of society are
assigned different roles according to their abilities and capabilities. For example roles of
teachers towards students, doctor towards patience, or parents towards children and vice
versa etc.
 Anticipated system: The term anticipated response system calls upon the individuals to
participate in the social system. The successful working of social structure depends upon
the realization of his duties by the individual and his efforts to fulfill these duties
 Action system: It is the object or goal to be arrived at by the social structure. The whole
structure revolves around it. Social structure is an abstract entity. It cannot be seen. Its
parts are dynamic and constantly changing