A social institution is understood as a system of social norms, relations, rules of behavior, a set of roles and social values that satisfy basic social needs and fulfill the role of regulators of public life.
The main institutions include : family and production, state and religion, education and culture. It is in them that the main functions of social institutions are embodied.
Reproduction function
For the existence of society, this function is one of the most important. It is obvious that without constant replenishment of the population, society will soon cease to exist. The set of rules for the institution of the family suggests that members of society should unite in small groups, the so-called cells, or families. It is thanks to this function of social institutions that the population is reproduced. Indeed, otherwise we could all continue to live in a social order. Either lonely. Institutions (mainly families, states, religions) regulate the processes of creating couples, divorce, and set the values for the birth of children.
Communicative functions
The information produced by the institutes should be distributed, first of all, among individuals within the same institution, as well as between various social institutions. This is how communications arise when, in different situations, social institutions and their functions either act as information disseminators or consumers.
Broadcast function
This function is to transfer accumulated social experience. We can also say that this is a function of socialization - the process of assimilation by an individual of social norms, values, rules of behavior.
Regulatory function
Thanks to the set standards, a person adopts patterns of behavior encouraged in society and plays the roles expected of him. Of greatest importance in fulfilling this function of social institutions are family, education, and religion.
Integrative function .
Since the activities of social institutions are directly related to the formation of the norms and values of society, in the final analysis they provide for the interdependence and interdependence of members of society. Which, in turn, increases the level of its cohesion and integrity of the structure of society.
Hidden functions and dysfunctions of social institutions
In addition to the considered explicit ones (that is, which are officially recognized), there are hidden functions of institutions. They arise as a result of the natural interaction of institutions, social groups and individuals with each other. For example, the institution of consumption can also perform the function of determining prestige. Institute of Education dictate social inequality. The institution of religion can be used as a way to lure individuals.
When the discrepancy between explicit and hidden functions becomes too great, there is a danger of improper functioning, or even the formation of parallel institutions: sects, criminal structures, the shadow economy, etc.
In addition, there is such a thing as a dysfunction of social institutions - that is, their refusal to function, the ambiguity of values, statuses and roles. This is possible as a result of the personalization of institutions, when their work begins to obey not the objective laws and needs of society, but adapts to the needs of certain groups or individuals. A vivid example of the dysfunction of the institution of religion is the Crusades.
To correct dysfunction, it is necessary to completely change the social institution, or create a new one that will satisfy the necessary need of society.