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Institution - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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In the context of GCSE Sociology, an 'institution' refers to a structured system or organisation in a society that governs and influences behaviour and practices to meet collective social needs.

Institutions are fundamental in shaping societal norms and values, and they include entities such as family, education, religion, government, and the economy. These institutions provide the framework within which individuals interact and operate, fulfilling essential roles such as socialisation, regulation of behaviour, and the distribution of power and resources.

Understanding institutions is crucial for analysing how societies function and maintain order, as well as for exploring patterns of inequality and social change.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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