The five main social institutions that we have today arose out of a necessity for structure and carries out tasks that ensure the survival of society. When viewed through a functionalist perspective, these social institutions, the economy, government, family, religion and education, serve manifest and latent functions that help to keep society running. The economy facilitates the transfer and trade of goods and services in a society. The government is in charge of creating rules for society to follow and decides how society will grow (Devore). The institution of family is important because, it is the " 'natural ' and 'fundamental ' group unity of society," meaning it is the most basic unit of social relationships. It is in charge of nurturing the young and passing on values, traditions, and beliefs held within that society. With the example of education, this institution serves to socialize new members of society by teaching them the social norms and customs of a given culture. Religion
The five main social institutions that we have today arose out of a necessity for structure and carries out tasks that ensure the survival of society. When viewed through a functionalist perspective, these social institutions, the economy, government, family, religion and education, serve manifest and latent functions that help to keep society running. The economy facilitates the transfer and trade of goods and services in a society. The government is in charge of creating rules for society to follow and decides how society will grow (Devore). The institution of family is important because, it is the " 'natural ' and 'fundamental ' group unity of society," meaning it is the most basic unit of social relationships. It is in charge of nurturing the young and passing on values, traditions, and beliefs held within that society. With the example of education, this institution serves to socialize new members of society by teaching them the social norms and customs of a given culture. Religion