The Structure of Social Ontology

Social ontology explores how social entities—like institutions, roles, and organizations—exist and function within society. It examines what makes these entities real beyond individual perceptions, such as how laws create rights or how roles like ‘teacher’ shape behavior. Essentially, it studies the underlying structures that organize social life, showing how collective beliefs, practices, and systems give meaning and stability to social reality. This understanding helps clarify how social facts are constructed and maintained, influencing everything from everyday interactions to broader societal institutions.