Question

How does a social institution differ from an organization conceptually? Why do sociologists consider marriage as a social institution? Why are cohabitation considered “deinstitutionalization” of marriage? Do you think same-sex marriage is “deinstitutionalizing” or reinforcing marriage as a social institution (please reason whether your answer is a “yes” or “no”)?

Answer 1

1. A social institution is a type of organisation that is formal or it is a behaviour pattern and practices of society whereas the organisation is an organised group of people who gathers together to achieve a specific goal.

2. They say that it is a socially approved relation of a man and a woman who share the same roof, take care of each other, have sexual relationships and together produce children according to the prescribed customs and laws.

3. The couples who live together before marriage are used to be less likely to satisfied with their marriage and are more tend to divorce than the married couple who lives together only after marriage.

4. Yes, same-sex marriages are reinforcing marriage as a social institution as because these marriages result in harming the vital role of marriage that is to produce children and this changes the traditional definition of marriage.