The Imaginary Institution of Society

The Imaginary Institution of Society, a concept by anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, suggests that societies are built upon shared, collective beliefs and symbols that are not physically real but shape social structures and behaviors. These shared "imaginaries" provide a common framework, guiding laws, customs, and interactions, much like an invisible, collective agreement. They help individuals feel connected and understand their place within society, even though they are based on collective imagination rather than tangible entities. This idea highlights how cultural myths and symbols underpin social order and cohesion.