Sub: Behavioral Science

Topic : Social Structure &

Social Class
Jamal Mostafa
Lecturer
Gulshanara Nursing College
Phone : 01876788637
Definition of Social Structure

In the social sciences, social structure is the patterned social

arrangements in society that are both emergent from and
determinant of the actions of individuals.
Or,
Social Structure refers to the pattern of social relationship in
a society. Social Structure regulate the interaction among
member of the society & Providing guideline within the
society.
Elements of Social Structure

Social Structure has the following FIVE elements:

Statuses
Social roles
Groups
Social Network
Social Institution
Status: is the position of a person in a large group, or
society. This position is socially defined.
Social Role: is a set of expectations for people who
occupy a given social position, or status.
Group: is any number of people with similar norms,
values & expectations, who interact with one another on a
regular basis.
Social Network: A series of social relationships that links
a person directly to others, and through them indirectly to
more people is called social network.
Social Institution: Social Institutions are organized
patterns of beliefs & behavior centered on basic social
needs.
Definition of Social Class

A social Class is a culturally defined group that is accorded

particular position or status within the population as a whole.
Or,
A social class in one or two or more broad groups of
individuals who are ranked by the members of the
community in socially superior and inferior positions”
 Characteristics of social class
A system of hierarchy of status.
A system of social ranking based primarily on economic position.
A system marked by unequal distribution of wealth and power.
A system more mobile than caste system.
A system in which status is achieved by one’s own efforts rather than
ascribed, assigned or inherited
Class is open system because a person can change his status by his
efforts.
Class is achieved its not based on birth like caste, but is achieved by
individual qualities or efforts.
 Definition of Society

 A society is a group of people in a particular geographic area who share the

same rules and laws
 A formal organization is a large group of people, such as those in a school,
business or government, who are organized with the purpose of achieving a
specific goal.
Characteristics of Society

Society consists of people

Mutual Interaction and Mutual Awareness
Society depends on Likeness
Society Rests on Difference
Co-operation and Division of Labor
Society implies Interdependence
Society is dynamic 8. Social Control
Culture
Society depends on the gregarious nature of man .
 Characteristics of Society
Composed of people
Mutual awareness, continuous reciprocal interaction and inter
relationship among members
Likeness and differences eg similarities like needs, activities,
ideals values etc differences like looks, personality, talents,
attitudes etc.
Members have cooperation and share common interest.
Desires are satisfied and interests fulfilled with joined efforts
promoting solidarity and social cohesion
Responsibilities held by means of division of labor and
delegation of authority
 Characteristics of Society

Members shows a pattern of interdependence necessary to

meet social needs
Society is dynamic….changes take place abruptly or gradually
Society has its own way of social control (formal or informal)
Each society has its distinct culture…. ……..Its expression of
human behavior viz. attitudes, judgements, morals etc.
Interdependence is seen among groups, communities, societies
and even nations.
Types of Societies
Difference between Society &Community
Some common antisocial activities in our
country.
 murder
 kidnapping
 robbery
 Cheating
 Trickery
 severe bullying and aggression towards others,
 lying and theft,
 vandalism,
 use of violence and threats, and
 substance or alcohol abuse.
 SOCIALIZATION
“The cultural process of learning to participate in group life.”
Definition of socialization : Socialization is a process by which
individuals acquire the knowledge, language, social skills and value
to conform to the norms and roles required integration into a groups
or community.
Socialization is the process by which human beings beginning at
infancy acquire the habits, beliefs, and accumulate knowledge of
society through education and training for adults’ status. The
socialization that we receive in childhood has a lasting effect on our
ability to interact with others in society.
 TYPES OF SOCIALIZATION

The type happens when a child learns the values, norms, and behaviors
that should be displayed in order to live accordingly to specific culture.
Primary socialization: This types of socialization when a child
learn the values, norms and behaviors that should be displayed in
order to live accordingly to a specific culture Example A child hears
his farther talk bad words against an old lady. The child would think
that this behavior is especially acceptable so he would start talking
bad words against older people.
 TYPES OF SOCIALIZATION

Secondary socialization
This type occurs when a person learns on appropriate behavior to
be displayed within a smaller group which is still part of a larger
society. The changes within the values, attitudes and believes of
an individual are seen to be less importance than the changes
made in him as he participates in the large society.
 example a high school graduate chooses a career in business
management after participating in a small group career seminar
led by college majors
 TYPES OF SOCIALIZATION
 Developmental socialization: It involves a learning process where in
the fear on developing our social skills example Ashy senior high
school starts to teach English to new freshman students in order to
develop verbal communication
 Anticipatory socialization: This type refers to the process where in
person practices a rehearses for future social relationship example a
child anticipates parenthood he is observes his parents perform their
daily roles.
 Re socialization: This involves rejecting previous behaviors patterns
and accepting new ones so the individual can shift from one part of his
life to another. Re socialization is paid to be happening through out
human life cycle example when a criminal is rehabilitated he has to
change role radically.
 Agents of socialization
The 4 major agents of socialization
 Family
 School
 Peers
 Mass Media
During childhood and adolescence, the major agents of socialization are family,
school, peer group, and mass media. The family’s role is critical in forming
basic values. Schools introduce children to life beyond the family. In peer
groups, young people learn to relate as equals. The mass media provide role
models for full integration into society.
 Importance of socialization in the family.

A child’s first exposure to the world occurs within the family, which
is the primary agent of childhood socialization.
Within the family the child learns to think and speak; internalize
norms, beliefs, and values; form basic attitudes; develop a capacity
for intimate and personal relationships; and acquire a self-image.
Families are generally the first agents of socialization to teach
children the gender roles considered appropriate in the general
society or in the family’s culture.
 Importance of socialization in the family.

Socialization varies by social class and may be a reflection of the

values necessary for the type of jobs held by the parents, according
to sociologist Melvin Kohn.
There is no better way to start than to talk about the role of family in
our social development as family is usually consideration to be the
important agents of socialization. As infant is completely dependent
on others to survive.
Our parents or those who play the parents role are responsible for
teaching us to function and care for our selves. They along with the
rest of our family, also teach us about close relationship, group life
and how to share resources.