Social Structures and Individual Identity

Alternation

The ability to choose between different, and sometimes contradictory, systems of meaning. This often involves semi-conscious processes throughout life, raising questions such as:

• Who am I?
• What do I do in this world?
• What is the meaning of my life?

Social Control

Social control refers to the various methods society uses to regulate its members. Every society employs social control, aiming to:

• Eliminate unwanted behaviors (as defined by the system)
• Set an example for others

Institutionalization

Society is a product of human actions, performed by individuals within that society. Through routines and established practices, real institutions like education are formed. This process shapes the social world, constantly creating new forms and structures. Key aspects include:

• Externalization: Culture provides immediate structure and stability to life. Language is a fundamental tool, enabling us to identify and interpret the world.
• Objectification: The world we create becomes "external" to us, taking on the character of objective reality. This reality manifests in various forms, from objects to institutions.
• Internalization: The "products" of our creation become not only part of the external world but also integrated into our personalities. This is how we become part of society.

Institutions

Institutions are patterns of behavior that provide mechanisms and pathways for human conduct. They shape, guide, and channel our actions according to what society deems desirable. The challenge arises when these channels or guidelines are perceived as the only possibilities. Institutions can be changed, but they are essential to society and cannot be eliminated entirely.

Social Stratification

In every society, individuals are assigned to social categories or positions. This hierarchical organization is called social stratification, and the different levels are called statuses.

• Definition: Social stratification involves organizing individuals into vertical groups (strata) based on various criteria. These recognized criteria help us study the composition of complex social environments.
• Welfare State: A social stratum consists of individuals who share a similar position within the social hierarchy, along with shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and lifestyles. These strata are characterized by the amount of prestige, power, or privileges they possess.
• Society: The criteria for assigning individuals to different levels vary across societies. Furthermore, different stratification systems can coexist within the same society, using distinct criteria like age, skin color, or social class.