 Elements of Social Structure

Social structure is an abstract phenomenon. It refers to external aspects of society. Its units are

groups, institutions, associations and organizations. When men relate themselves to each other,

they establish a structural form.

1.Normative System:
People attach emotional importance to the ideals and values, which are called norms of society.

The institutions and associations are inter-related according to these norms. The individuals

perform their roles in accordance with the accepted norms of society.

2. Position System:
Position system refers to the statuses and roles of the individuals. The proper functioning of

social structure depends upon proper assignment of roles and statuses.

3. Sanction System:
Proper enforcement of norms needs sanction of society. It integrates and co-ordinates different

parts of society. The stability of social structure depends upon the effectiveness of its sanction,

system.

4. A system of anticipated responses:

The anticipated response system calls upon the individual to participate in the social system. The

successful working of social structure depends upon the realization of his duties by the individual

and his efforts to fulfil these duties.

5. Action System:
The whole social structure revolves around the action system. The action is the root cause, which

weaves the web of social relationships and sets the social structure in motion.