Social Institutions and Social Behavior

Emma's Story: Emma, a rescue dog, was initially thought to be deaf by her first owners who then abandoned her. It was later discovered she had selective hearing (e.g., could hear a bag of chips open).
Rescue Journey: She was adopted by the speaker's niece, who, due to a busy schedule and Emma's health issues as an apartment dog, asked the speaker to care for her. This temporary arrangement became permanent ( $3$ years ago).
Impact: Emma is now considered the family's favorite member and a constant source of joy and conversation, generating many shared pictures daily.

Definition: Social institutions are the foundational pillars of importance within a society, essential for its continuity and stability.
Purpose: If a new society were to be created (e.g., after an apocalypse), it would need to include institutions like an economy, government, healthcare, family (for procreation), media, religion, and education.
Perspectives on Institutions:
- Functionalist Perspective:
  - Historically the dominant sociological perspective.
  - Believes institutions are vital for sustaining and creating stability in society.
  - Views institutions as interdependent; if one falters, others help maintain societal function.
- Conflict Theorist Perspective:
  - Focuses on conflict, power struggles, and inequalities (haves vs. have-nots, upper class vs. lower class).
  - Sees institutions as structured to set some people up for failure.
  - Argues that an upper level within any institution dictates terms for the lower levels.
  - On tests, questions about resource struggles or power imbalances often relate to this perspective.
- Interactionist Perspective:
  - Focuses on the subjective meaning individuals derive from situations and institutions.
  - Examines how institutions impact individuals' lives and families (e.g.,