Functions of Social Institutions

1) Social institutions regulate individual behaviour.
Individuals by nature have unlimited needs which is
impossible to fulfill. Therefore society needs to control
the needs of the individual, which is done by social
institutions.
Social institutions channels human energies and
creativity to social productive channels. Individual
have lots of energy and creativity if left uncontrolled
can lead to destructive tendencies. Religion, political
institutions see that these energies are made useful
to society.
2) Social institutions fulfill human need by Production
and Distribution of Goods and Services. Economic
institutions fulfill physiological needs and social
institutions fulfill social needs and esteem. For
example family fulfills the need for sex and parenthood.
3) A social institution makes individual behaviour
predictable. In society there are innumerable social
interactions taking place. Institutions reduce the
uncertainty in these interaction and institutions help
us predict the behaviour of others in these
circumstances. For example, a couple going to marry
will know their roles and responsibilities. They will
know what to expect from others. Once behaviour is
predictable other can orient their behaviour towards
achieving the common goals. If they deviate they will
have to suffer negative sanctions and face the
consequences.
4) Social institution control and regulates deviant
behaviour. Once it is recognized that a particular way
of doings are to be followed that individuals who break
this agreement will be punished which will restrain
him from committing the error again and also be a
deterrent to others fromcommitting the same mistake.
Since social institutions perform crucial functions, their
malfunctioning can result in breakdown in the society as
a whole.