A social institution is a complex, integrated set of social norms organized around the preservation of a basic societal value. It refers to a group of social positions, connected by social relations, performing a social role. It can also be defined in a narrower sense as any institution in a society that works to socialize the groups or people in it.
The major institutions in the society include the family, education, work and economy, the political institution (or the state), religion and health care, as well as the mass media, organized sports, and the military. They all represent institutions; they are all complex structures that exist for explicit reasons. Together, institutions meet certain needs that are necessary for society to exist and proceed. Social institution has the following functions in the society.
- Socialization of new members of the society
- Production and distribution of goods and services
- Replacement of memberships
- The maintenance of stability and existence
- Providing the members with ultimate sense of purpose
Like many other social institutions, journalism is a distinctive social institution. It emerged as a set of relatively enduring organizations in 18th century Europe and North America. Through colonialism, the expansion of markets, urbanization, and democratic political developments, journalism became important around the globe. Journalism, like other institutions, has its characteristics which fulfill the features of social institutions.
- It is an established and organized system of social behavior with a recognized purpose.
- It refers to the broad systems that organize specific functions in society.
- Unlike group behavior journalism cannot be directly observed, but its impact and structure can still be seen.
· Journalism has its centrality in social processes.
· It transfers knowledge from research to the relevant social institutions, such as legislators, regulatory authorities, media organizations, journalism education and training, and the journalist them-selves.
For example best theory of media on the basis of its purpose and functions is described by social responsibility theory which emphasizes on such a journalism which can benefit the social order and its progress. Also in general, journalism has its ground in society. Without society journalism can't be imagined. The objective of journalism is to reflect the society. Furthermore, it researches for the best alternatives, prospects of development of the society. Also, journalistic behaviors are more similar to the characteristics of a social institution. Thus, associating these characteristics and functions of social institutions with the features and goals of journalism, we can come to the conclusion that it is a form of social institution.
