Institution

Institutions are "stable, valued, recurring patterns of behavior." As structures or mechanisms of social order, they govern the behavior of a set of individuals within a given community. Institutions are identified with a social purpose, transcending individuals and intentions by mediating the rules that govern living behavior.

The term "institution" commonly applies to a custom or behavior pattern important to a society, and to particular formal organizations of the government and public services. As structures and mechanisms of social order, institutions are a principal object of study in social sciences such as political science, anthropology, economics, and sociology (the latter described by Émile Durkheim as the "science of institutions, their genesis and their functioning"). Institutions are also a central concern for law, the formal mechanism for political rule-making and enforcement.

Definition

institution - Noun - (plural institutions)

1. An established organization, especially one dedicated to education, public service, culture or the care of the destitute, poor etc.
2. The building which houses such an organization.
3. A custom or practice of a society or community - marriage for example.
4. (informal) A person long-established with a certain place or position.
5. The act of instituting.

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