The economy is the social institution responsible for the production and
distribution of goods.
The two dominant economic systems in the world are capitalism, under
which resources and means of production are privately owned, and socialism, a
system under which those resources are owned by the society as a whole.
Welfare capitalism and state capitalism are hybrids of capitalism and socialism.
Welfare capitalism features a market-based economy coupled with an extensive
social welfare system. Under state capitalism, the government closely monitors
and regulates the resources and means of production, which are privately owned.
According to Karl Marx, capitalism brings workers and employers into
conflict. The only way to resolve the conflict is workers’ revolution to replace capitalism
with communism.
The economy is a quickly changing social institution. Economic trends include
globalization, demand for educated professionals,
self-employment, and diversity in the workplace.
Government
The government is the institution entrusted with making and enforcing
the rules of the society, as well as with regulating relations with other societies.
Most of the world’s governments fall into one of four categories:
monarchy, democracy, authoritarianism, or
totalitarianism.
A monarchy is a political system in which a representative from one
family controls the government and power is passed on through that family from generation to
generation.
A democracy is a political system in which the citizens periodically
choose officials to run their government.
Authoritarianism is a political system that does not allow citizens to
participate in government.
Totalitarianism is a political system under which the government
maintains tight control over nearly all aspects of citizens’ lives.
The U.S. government is characterized by a limited welfare state and a
two-party political system.
Conflicts in governments generally take three forms: revolution,
war, and terrorism.
Family
The institution of family has three important functions: to provide for
the rearing of children, to provide a sense of identity or belonging among its members, and to
transmit culture between generations.
There are two types of families. A nuclear family comprises a mother,
father, and their children living under one roof. An extended family includes
several generations and branches living nearby.
Marriage is a foundation of family life. It exists in every society,
with some variations.
Alternative families such as single-parent households, unmarried
couples, and gay and lesbian couples are on the rise in the United States.
Religion
Religion is a social institution that answers our larger questions and
explains the seemingly inexplicable.
The world’s major religions include Christianity, Islam,
Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Religious groups include churches, sects, and
cults.
In the United States, social class, race, and ethnicity are factors in how religious
a person is.
Education
Education is the preparation of children for adulthood. It is an
important agent of socialization and encourages social integration.
The quality of education at public and private schools varies greatly in the United
States.
Medicine
The institution of medicine is responsible for defining and treating
physical and mental illnesses among members of a society. The goal of a society’s medical
establishment is to promote health, the total well-being of its people.
The definitions of physical and mental illnesses are different in different cultures.
Scientific medicine is an approach to healing that focuses on illness.
This method is common in the United States.
Holistic medicine is an approach to healing that focuses on a patient’s
whole environment.
