Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Social structures refer to the patterns of relationships, roles, and institutions within a society that shape and influence individual behavior and interactions.
These are shared expectations within a group or society about appropriate behavior. They guide individuals on how to act in different social situations.
Social Hierarchies: These are systems of ranking individuals or groups based on their social status or power. They can impact access to resources and opportunities.
Social Institutions: These are established sets of norms and rules that govern specific spheres of social life such as education, religion, family, or government.