Building Blocks of Social Structure

1. Social Structure - The network of interrelated statuses and roles that guide human interaction.

1.1. Status - A socially defined position within a group or society.

1.1.1. Ascribed Status - is assigned according to qualities beyond a person's control.

1.1.2. Achieved Status - This can be acquired through an individual's own direct efforts.

1.1.3. Master Status - Plays the greatest role in spring a person's life and determining his or her social identity.

1.2. Role - The behavior - the rights and obligations - expected of someone occupying a particular status.

1.2.1. Role Expectations - The socially determined behaviors expected of a person performing a role.

1.2.2. Role Performance - A person's actual behavior

1.2.3. Role Conflict - Occurs when fulfilling the role expectations for one status makes it difficult to fulfill the role expectations of another status.

1.2.4. Role Strain - When a person has difficulties meeting the role expectations for a single status.

1.2.5. Role Exit - The process people go through to detach from a role that has been central to their self-identity.

2. Social Institutions - When statuses and roles are organized to satisfy one or more of the basic needs of society.

2.1. The Family - Responsible for raising young and teaching them accepted norms and values.

2.2. The Economic Institution - Organizes production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.

2.3. The Political Institution - The system of norms that governs the exercise and distribution of power in society.

2.4. Education - Ensures the transmission of values, patterns of behavior and certain skills and knowledge.

2.5. Religion - Provides a shared, collective meaning of the meaning of life.