Theories of social structure

Theories of social structure explore how society is organized and how this organization influences individuals’ behavior. They examine aspects like social roles, norms, institutions, and hierarchies that shape interactions. For example, structural functionalism views society as a complex system with parts working together to maintain stability, while conflict theory sees social structures as sources of inequality and power struggles. Other theories focus on social networks and cultural patterns. Overall, these theories help us understand how societal arrangements influence opportunities, behaviors, and relationships.