A social institution is a complex, integrated set of social norms organized around preserving a fundamental societal value. Obviously, the sociologist does not define institutions in the same way as the person on the street. Lay persons are likely to use the term "institution" very loosely, for churches, hospitals, jails, and many other things as institutions.
Sociologists often reserve the term "institution" to describe normative systems that operate in five basic areas of life, which may be designated as the primary institutions.
- In determining Kinship;
- In providing for the legitimate use of power;
- In regulating the distribution of goods and services;
- In transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next; and
- In regulating our relation to the supernatural.
In shorthand form, or as concepts, these five basic institutions are the family, government, economy, education, and religion.