FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE (Applied Sociology – B.Sc. Nursing) INTRODUCTION Sociology helps nurses understand human behavior in a social context. Human beings do not live in isolation; they live in society, interact in groups, follow institutions, and are influenced by culture and social norms. The social structure refers to the organized pattern of social relationships and institutions that together form society. Understanding these elements enables nurses to provide holistic, culturally sensitive, and community-oriented care . The fundamental elements of social structure include: Society Community and Association Social Institutions Social Groups Social and Personal Disorganization 1. SOCIETY – THE MACRO STRUCTURE Definition Society is the largest and most inclusive social unit , consisting of people who share a common territory, culture, and system of social relationships. Sociologists describe society as a “web of social relationships” ...
