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Some of the important elements of social structure are discussed as under:

• (1) Values:
• (2) Groups and Institutions:
• (3) Organisations:
• (4) Collectivities:
• (5) Roles:
• (6) Norms:

Social structure, in sociology, the distinctive, stable arrangement of institutions whereby human beings in a society interact and live together. Social structure is often treated together with the concept of social change, which deals with the forces that change the social structure and the organization of society.

A school is thought of as a social system, with its characteristic institutional functions, roles and expectations. As an institution it has the function of socialization. There are various incumbents in it who have to play the roles expected of them.

Social system has the characteristics of pattern, order and balance. Social system is not an integrated whole but putting together of different units. This coming together does not take place in a random and haphazard manner. There is an order am’ balance.

Functional Theory: Social structure is essential because it creates order and predictability in a society (Parsons, 1951). –Connects people to larger society through webbed pattern of social relationships (thus, homeless people are at a disadvantage ’cause little connections).

Social organization is the pattern of social interactions that occurs between individuals within and between groups: it is a description of social behavior. Thus, social structure refers to the components of the social system, whereas social organization refers to the patterns of interaction between the components.

Similar words for social structure: Social Organisation (noun) other relevant words (noun) pecking order (noun) social organization (noun)

The definition of social is someone or something that enjoys being with others or has to do with people living or gathering in groups. An example of social is children laughing and playing together. An example of social is people forming a community health clinic.

Positive social behaviors are considered to be the most effective way of dealing with other people as it involves empathy- a feeling that is intended to help others in whatever means possible. That child was empathetic towards his classmates and sprung to comfort the person in distress.

Normality is a behavior that can be normal for an individual (intrapersonal normality) when it is consistent with the most common behavior for that person. Someone being seen as normal or not normal can have social ramifications, such as being included, excluded or stigmatized by wider society.

3. Genesis and Developments of Social Behaviour:

• (i) Social Life among Lower Vertebrates:
• (ii) Social Life among the Apes and Monkeys:
• (iii) Social Development among Children:
• (i) Overt Social Behaviour:
• (ii) Symbolic Social Behaviour:

Social behavior, including parental and reproductive behavior, is critical to the ability to successfully interact with members of one’s species, obtain food and mates, and avoid predation. It is therefore not surprising that many different peptides influence social behavior.

When people do not follow the conventional social and moral rules of their society, the behavior is considered abnormal. (See Deviation from Social Norms) Observer discomfort. If a person’s behavior brings discomfort to those in observation, it is likely to be considered abnormal.

The “Four D’s” consisting of deviance, dysfunction, distress, and danger can be a valuable tool to all practitioners when assessing reported traits, symptoms, or conditions in order to illuminate the point of at which these factors might represent a DSM IV-TR disorder.