social structure Siby Iype

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FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE

(Applied Sociology – B.Sc. Nursing)

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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

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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” because individuals are connected through family, education, religion, economy, and political systems.

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Nature of Society

1. Dynamic Nature

   • Society is continuously changing due to technological progress, education, migration, and cultural contact.
   • Customs, values, and institutions evolve over time.

2. Abstract Nature

   • Society cannot be physically seen or touched.
   • It is experienced through social interactions, norms, and institutions.

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Characteristics of Society

1. Interdependence

   • Individuals depend on one another for food, shelter, protection, healthcare, and emotional support.
   • No individual is completely self-sufficient.

2. Culture

   • Every society has its own culture consisting of beliefs, values, customs, traditions, language, and symbols.
   • Culture guides human behavior and social interaction.

3. Social Control

   • Society regulates behavior through norms, customs, laws, and moral values.

4. Cooperation and Conflict

   • Members cooperate for common goals but may also experience conflicts due to differing interests.

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Importance of Society

• Maintains law and order
• Provides social security and emotional support
• Facilitates socialization
• Ensures continuity of culture
• Provides a framework for healthcare delivery systems

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2. COMMUNITY AND ASSOCIATION – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Community

Definition
A community is a group of people living in a specific geographical area, sharing common life, customs, traditions, and a strong sense of belonging.

Characteristics

• Natural and spontaneous formation
• Strong emotional attachment
• Common interests and culture
• Long-lasting and stable

Examples

• Village
• Tribe
• Urban neighborhood

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Association

Definition
An association is a group of individuals deliberately formed to achieve a specific purpose or goal.

Characteristics

• Planned and organized
• Formal rules and regulations
• Membership is voluntary
• Goal-oriented

Examples

• Trade unions
• Professional associations
• NGOs
• Clubs

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Differences Between Community and Association

Aspect	Community	Association
Formation	Natural	Deliberate
Basis	Locality	Common interest
Feeling	Strong we-feeling	Limited emotional attachment
Membership	By birth or residence	Voluntary
Duration	Permanent	Temporary or permanent

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3. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS – THE PILLARS OF SOCIETY

Definition

Social institutions are organized systems of social norms, roles, and values designed to meet the basic needs of society and regulate human behavior.

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Types of Social Institutions

A. Primary Social Institutions

These institutions are universal and essential for social survival.

1. Family

   • Primary unit of society
   • Responsible for reproduction, socialization, and emotional support

2. Marriage

   • Regulates sexual behavior
   • Provides legitimacy to family life

3. Religion

   • Provides moral guidance
   • Promotes values like compassion, service, and discipline

4. Political System

   • Maintains law and order
   • Protects rights and welfare of citizens

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B. Secondary Social Institutions

These institutions develop with societal complexity.

1. Education

   • Transmits knowledge and skills
   • Prepares individuals for social roles

2. Law

   • Regulates behavior through rules and regulations

3. Healthcare

   • Maintains physical, mental, and social well-being

4. Economy

   • Organizes production, distribution, and consumption of goods

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Functions of Social Institutions

• Ensure social continuity
• Provide role allocation
• Maintain social stability
• Promote social integration
• Support health and welfare systems

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4. SOCIAL GROUPS – THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF SOCIETY

Definition

A social group is a collection of two or more individuals who interact regularly, share common goals, and develop a sense of unity.

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A. Primary and Secondary Groups

(Charles Horton Cooley)

Primary Groups

• Small size
• Intimate, face-to-face relationships
• Emotion-based
• Long-lasting
• Shape personality and character

Examples: Family, close friends

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Secondary Groups

• Large size
• Formal and impersonal relationships
• Task-oriented
• Temporary or goal-based

Examples: Hospitals, schools, political parties

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B. In-Groups and Out-Groups

(W.G. Sumner)

In-Group

• Group with which an individual identifies
• Sense of belonging and loyalty
• “We-feeling”
• May develop ethnocentrism

Out-Group

• Group to which an individual does not belong
• Viewed as outsiders
• May lead to prejudice or conflict

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5. PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION

A. Personal Disorganization

Definition
Personal disorganization refers to an individual’s inability to adjust to social norms, roles, or expectations.

Causes

• Biological: illness, disability
• Psychological: stress, depression
• Social: poverty, unemployment
• Situational crises: death, divorce, disasters

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B. Social Disorganization

Definition
Social disorganization occurs when social institutions fail to perform their functions effectively.

Causes

• Rapid social change
• Urbanization
• Industrialization
• Breakdown of family and community systems

Effects

• Crime and delinquency
• Poor health and sanitation
• Family disintegration
• Social instability

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6. APPLICATION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE IN NURSING (VERY IMPORTANT ⭐)

Understanding social structure helps nurses to:

1. Provide Holistic Care

   • Consider physical, psychological, social, and cultural factors

2. Assess Family and Social Support

   • Identify primary groups supporting the patient

3. Promote Cultural Competence

   • Respect beliefs, customs, and religious practices

4. Improve Community Health Services

   • Identify social problems affecting health

5. Act as a Change Agent

   • Educate individuals and communities
   • Promote social awareness and healthy behavior

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CONCLUSION

Social structure shapes human behavior and health outcomes. For nurses, knowledge of society, community, institutions, and social groups is essential to understand patients as social beings, not merely as individuals with illness. This sociological understanding strengthens nursing practice and improves quality of care.

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Below is a VERY DETAILED, EXAM-ORIENTED TEACHING NOTE prepared strictly based on the textbook pages you shared.
It is written in clear nursing-friendly language, with definitions, headings, sub-points, theorists, and nursing relevance — suitable for long answers (8–15 marks) as well as short notes.

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APPLIED SOCIOLOGY FOR B.Sc. NURSING

DETAILED TEACHING NOTE

UNIT: SOCIAL STRUCTURE, SOCIAL PROCESSES & COMMUNITIES

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I. SOCIAL PROCESSES

Meaning of Social Process

Social process refers to repetitive patterns of social interaction through which individuals and groups establish relationships and social order.

Social interaction is the mutual influence individuals and groups have on each other.

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Classification of Social Processes

1. Associative (Integrative) Processes

Promote unity, cooperation, and social harmony.

Examples:

• Cooperation
• Accommodation
• Assimilation

2. Dissociative (Disintegrative) Processes

Create tension, rivalry, and conflict.

Examples:

• Competition
• Conflict
• Isolation

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II. ASSOCIATIVE SOCIAL PROCESSES

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A. COOPERATION

Definition
Cooperation is a fundamental social process in which individuals or groups work together for common goals.

Characteristics of Cooperation

1. Continuous process – ongoing effort
2. Personal process – requires direct interaction
3. Conscious process – participants are aware
4. Universal – exists in all societies
5. Common ends – shared benefits
6. Organized effort – planned collaboration

Types of Cooperation (MacIver & Page)

1. Direct Cooperation – identical tasks
   • Example: Nurses working together in ward care
2. Indirect Cooperation – division of labor
   • Example: Doctors, nurses, lab technicians
3. Primary Cooperation – close groups (family)
4. Secondary Cooperation – large groups (organizations)
5. Tertiary Cooperation – opportunistic alliances

Importance of Cooperation

• Essential for social existence
• Promotes social cohesion and development
• Facilitates healthcare delivery and education

Nursing Relevance

• Team nursing
• Inter-professional collaboration
• Community health programs

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B. ACCOMMODATION

Definition
Accommodation is a process of adjustment through which conflict is resolved and harmony restored.

Characteristics

1. End-result of conflict
2. Conscious or unconscious
3. Universal
4. Continuous
5. Coexists with competition and cooperation

Forms of Accommodation

1. Admitting defeat
2. Compromise
3. Arbitration
4. Toleration
5. Conversion
6. Rationalization

Nursing Example

• Adjusting to patient beliefs
• Conflict resolution in healthcare teams

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III. DISSOCIATIVE SOCIAL PROCESSES

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A. COMPETITION

Definition
Competition is a fundamental form of social struggle occurring when resources are limited.

Characteristics

1. Universal
2. Impersonal
3. Unconscious
4. Continuous

Forms of Competition

1. Economic – business, employment
2. Cultural – dominance of cultures
3. Social – status, fame
4. Racial – racial superiority
5. Political – power struggle

Nursing Example

• Competition for jobs
• Competition for healthcare resources

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B. CONFLICT

Definition
Conflict is a deliberate struggle where individuals or groups attempt to achieve goals by opposing others, sometimes using force.

Characteristics

1. Universal
2. Personal activity
3. Conscious activity
4. Intermittent process

Types of Conflict (MacIver & Page)

1. Direct conflict – war, violence
2. Indirect conflict – business rivalry
3. Personal conflict
4. Group conflict
5. Class conflict
6. Racial/Ethnic conflict
7. International conflict
8. Ideological conflict
9. Latent conflict
10. Overt conflict

Nursing Relevance

• Nurse–patient conflict
• Workplace stress
• Community violence impact on health

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C. ISOLATION

Definition
Isolation is the state of being cut off from social interaction, resulting in loneliness and disconnection.

Causes of Social Isolation

1. Health issues – disability, chronic illness
2. Unemployment
3. Mobility restrictions
4. Depression
5. Social adversity

Types of Isolation

1. Social isolation
2. Emotional isolation
3. Physical isolation
4. Cultural/Linguistic isolation
5. Digital isolation

Nursing Importance

• Mental health assessment
• Elderly care
• Chronic illness management

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IV. STRUCTURE OF COMMUNITIES

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A. RURAL COMMUNITY

Definition

A rural community is a group of people living in a specific geographic area, mainly dependent on agriculture with close social ties.

Structure

• Households
• Panchayat
• Social institutions
• Traditional leadership

Characteristics

1. Social homogeneity
2. Primary relations
3. Informal social control
4. Agricultural economy
5. Importance of family & neighborhood
6. Faith in religion
7. Conservatism
8. Community sentiment
9. Simple lifestyle

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B. URBAN COMMUNITY

Definition

Urban community refers to cities/towns with high population density, economic diversity, and modern infrastructure.

Structure of Urban Community

1. Residential areas
2. Commercial centers
3. Industrial zones
4. Transportation systems
5. Educational institutions
6. Healthcare facilities
7. Recreational spaces
8. Social services
9. Local governance
10. Cultural diversity

Characteristics

1. Large population
2. High density
3. Nuclear families
4. Occupational specialization
5. Social heterogeneity
6. Individualism
7. Social distance
8. Anonymity

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C. TRIBAL COMMUNITY

Features

• Kinship-based society
• Endogamous marriage
• Animistic religion
• Communal living
• Subsistence economy

Problems

• Displacement
• Marginalization
• Cultural erosion
• Low literacy

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V. MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS IN RURAL, URBAN & TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

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A. Rural Health Problems

1. Communicable diseases – TB, malaria
2. Malnutrition
3. Maternal & child health issues
4. Occupational injuries
5. Lack of sanitation

Challenges

• Poor infrastructure
• Transportation barriers
• Financial constraints
• Dependence on quacks

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B. Urban Health Problems

1. Air pollution – asthma, COPD
2. Waterborne diseases
3. Lifestyle diseases – diabetes, hypertension
4. Mental health disorders
5. Slum health issues

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C. Tribal Health Problems

1. Infectious diseases
2. Nutritional deficiencies
3. High maternal & infant mortality
4. Environmental risks
5. Mental health issues

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VI. IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE FOR NURSES

Meaning

Social structure refers to the ordered arrangement of social roles and institutions.

Importance for Nursing

1. Understand patient’s social background
2. Identify social determinants of health
3. Reduce health inequalities
4. Promote holistic care
5. Improve community health outcomes

Role of Nurses

• Health education
• Advocacy
• Community outreach
• Crisis response
• Policy influence

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⭐ EXAM TIP (VERY IMPORTANT)

Write answers using:

• Definition
• Classification
• Characteristics
• Examples
• Nursing application

This format guarantees full marks.

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