Social Culture

Alumkal

Introduction

Human health and disease are not determined only by biological factors but are deeply influenced by social structure, culture, and environment. Sociology helps us understand how society functions, how groups interact, and how social systems influence behavior, health, and well-being. In public health and community medicine, understanding social structure is essential for effective planning and implementation of health programs.

This blog discusses:

  • Scope and significance of sociology

  • Social structure

  • Concept of society and community

  • Association and institution

  • Influence of class, caste, and race

  • Social welfare programs

 

Scope and Significance of Sociology

Scope of Sociology

The scope of sociology is broad and covers various aspects of social life.

1. Study of Social Relationships

  • Interaction between individuals and groups

  • Family, peer groups, workplace relationships

2. Study of Social Institutions

  • Family

  • Education

  • Religion

  • Economy

  • Government

  • Healthcare system

3. Study of Social Groups

  • Primary groups (family, close friends)

  • Secondary groups (organizations, associations)

4. Study of Social Stratification

  • Class

  • Caste

  • Race

  • Gender inequality

5. Study of Culture

  • Beliefs

  • Customs

  • Traditions

  • Social norms and values

6. Study of Social Change

  • Urbanization

  • Industrialization

  • Globalization

  • Technological advancement

7. Study of Social Problems

  • Poverty

  • Unemployment

  • Crime

  • Illiteracy

  • Health inequalities

8. Medical and Health Sociology

  • Doctor–patient relationship

  • Health-seeking behavior

  • Impact of society on disease patterns

  • Public health systems

Significance of Sociology

Sociology plays an important role in understanding and solving social and health-related issues.

1. Understanding Human Behavior – Helps explain why individuals behave differently in various social settings.

2. Promoting Social Awareness – Creates awareness about social inequalities and injustice.

3. Improving Healthcare Delivery – Helps healthcare professionals understand cultural beliefs and community practices.

4. Addressing Health Inequalities – Identifies how poverty, caste, class, and race affect health outcomes.

5. Assisting in Policy Formation – Provides data and insights for developing social and health policies.

6. Encouraging Social Development – Supports programs aimed at education, employment, and welfare.

7. Strengthening Community Participation – Promotes community involvement in development and public health programs.

Social Structure

Social structure refers to the organized pattern of social relationships, institutions, and social arrangements that together form society. It provides a framework within which individuals interact and perform their roles.

In simple terms, social structure is the “framework of society.”

Elements of Social Structure

1. Status

Status is the position an individual occupies in society.

Types:

  • Ascribed status – Given by birth (e.g., gender, caste)

  • Achieved status – Earned by effort (e.g., doctor, teacher)

2. Role

Role is the expected behavior associated with a particular status.

Example:

  • A doctor is expected to treat patients ethically.

  • A student is expected to attend classes and study.

3. Norms

Norms are rules or standards of behavior that guide individuals in society.

Examples:

  • Respecting elders

  • Following laws

4. Values

Values are beliefs about what is good, desirable, and important in society.

Examples:

  • Honesty

  • Equality

  • Justice

5. Institutions

Institutions are organized systems that fulfill essential needs of society.

Major institutions include:

  • Family

  • Education

  • Religion

  • Economy

  • Government

  • Healthcare

Importance of Social Structure

  • Maintains order and stability

  • Regulates behavior

  • Defines social expectations

  • Influences opportunities and life chances

  • Affects health, education, and employment

Social structure directly influences social inequality and access to resources.

Concept of Society

Society is a large group of people living together in an organized way, sharing common territory, culture, and social relationships.

It is a network of social relationships rather than just a collection of individuals.

Characteristics of Society

  1. Definite territory

  2. Common culture

  3. Social interaction

  4. Organized relationships

  5. Cooperation and interdependence

  6. Continuity over time

Society is broader and more complex than community.

Functions of Society

  • Socialization of individuals

  • Regulation of behavior

  • Protection and security

  • Economic production and distribution

  • Cultural preservation

Society provides the environment in which human personality develops.

Concept of Community

Community is a group of people living in a specific geographical area who share common interests, interact with each other, and develop a sense of belonging.

Community is more localized than society.

Characteristics of Community

  1. Definite locality

  2. Common way of life

  3. Social interaction

  4. Sense of belonging (we-feeling)

  5. Shared customs and traditions

Types of Community

  1. Rural Community – Agriculture-based, close social ties

  2. Urban Community – Industrial-based, diverse population

  3. Tribal Community – Traditional and culturally distinct

Importance of Community in Health

  • Basis of public health planning

  • Influences health behavior

  • Determines disease patterns

  • Encourages community participation

Community health programs depend on understanding local culture and social structure.

Association

An association is a group of people deliberately organized for a specific purpose.

It is formed consciously to achieve common goals.

Characteristics

  1. Voluntary or organized membership

  2. Specific objectives

  3. Formal structure

  4. Rules and regulations

  5. Temporary or permanent nature

Examples

  • Professional bodies (medical associations)

  • Youth clubs

  • Women’s self-help groups

  • Trade unions

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Importance

  • Promotes social cooperation

  • Supports development activities

  • Encourages community participation

  • Helps in implementing welfare programs

Associations play a vital role in social development and public health initiatives.

Institution

An institution is an established system of norms, values, and procedures designed to fulfill important social needs.

Unlike associations, institutions are more permanent and fundamental to society.

Major Social Institutions

  1. Family – Socialization and emotional support

  2. Education – Knowledge and skill development

  3. Religion – Moral and spiritual guidance

  4. Economy – Production and distribution of goods

  5. Government – Law and order

  6. Healthcare system – Disease prevention and treatment

Characteristics

  • Organized structure

  • Stable and long-lasting

  • Guided by norms and values

  • Fulfill basic needs of society

Institutions maintain social order and stability.

Influence of Class, Caste, and Race System

Social stratification divides society into hierarchical layers based on power, wealth, or status. It significantly influences access to education, employment, and healthcare.

A. Social Class

Social class refers to division of society based on economic status, occupation, and education.

Categories

  • Upper class

  • Middle class

  • Lower class

Influence

  • Determines living standards

  • Affects nutrition and housing

  • Influences access to healthcare

  • Impacts educational opportunities

Lower socioeconomic status is often associated with higher disease burden and poor health outcomes.

B. Caste System

Caste is a hereditary system of social stratification based on birth.

Characteristics

  1. Birth-based membership

  2. Endogamy (marriage within caste)

  3. Social hierarchy

  4. Occupational restrictions

Influence

  • Limits social mobility

  • Causes social discrimination

  • Affects access to resources

  • Contributes to health inequalities

Caste has historically influenced social and economic opportunities in certain societies.

C. Race System

Race refers to classification of people based on physical characteristics such as skin color and facial features.

Influence

  • Social discrimination

  • Economic disadvantage

  • Limited access to healthcare

  • Psychological stress

Racial inequality has been associated with health disparities globally.

Social Welfare Programs

Social welfare programs are government or community initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable populations and reducing social inequalities.

Objectives

  1. Reduce poverty

  2. Improve health and nutrition

  3. Promote education

  4. Provide employment opportunities

  5. Ensure social justice

  6. Protect women, children, elderly, and disabled

Types of Social Welfare Programs

1. Health Programs

  • Immunization

  • Maternal and child health services

  • Disease control programs

2. Nutrition Programs

  • Mid-day meal schemes

  • Supplementary nutrition for children

3. Education Schemes

  • Free and compulsory education

  • Scholarships

4. Employment Programs

  • Rural employment schemes

  • Skill development programs

5. Social Security Schemes

  • Old age pensions

  • Disability benefits

Importance in Public Health

  • Reduces infant and maternal mortality

  • Controls communicable diseases

  • Improves quality of life

  • Promotes equal opportunities

  • Reduces social inequalities