Objects

BoisGeorge Herbert MeadThorstein Veblen1900sJames ColemanPatricia Hill CollinsErving GoffmanPaul LazarsfeldCharles Wright MillsRobert K. MertonTheda SkocpolDorothy E. SmithListsBibliographyTerminologyJournalsOrganizationsPeopleTimelineBy country Society portalvteInstitutions (singular: institution) are humanly devised structures of rules and norms that shape and constrain individual behavior. All definitions of institutions generally entail that there is a level of persistence and continuity. Laws, rules, social conventions and norms are all examples of institutions. Institutions vary in their level of formality and informality.