An Examination of the Institutions Prevalent in my Life

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Analysis of the Institutions of Family and Religion in My Life
Several disciplines including economics, political science, sociology and anthropology have attempted to examine and study institutions. In this regard, institutions have been defined in different ways including stable and recurring patterns of behavior. They are known in other quarter as platforms that govern the behavior of specific individuals in society. Additionally, institutions have been depicted as integrated systems of rules that oversee social interactions. Based on these definitions, there are informal institutions that are characterized by customs and behavioral patterns. There are also formal institutions that take up social forms such as governments, family, religion, peer groups, economy and legal systems, and education centers. These social institutions are prevalent in the lives of all people in society. From my perspective, the institutions of family and religion continue to play essential roles in my life. Using various elements of institutional analysis, these social institutions can be analyzed effectively.
An Examination of the Institutions Prevalent in my Life
Family has been taunted by sociological experts as the primary or meta-institution that encompasses other social institutions. Similarly, my family members have played huge roles in my upbringing and in ensuring that I develop to become a responsible and successful person in society. My father passed away a few months before I was born and as such, I was brought up primarily by mother with the help of my two older siblings. Despite the financial challenges we faced, my mother rose to the occasion and ensured that we lived a “comfortable” life. She would work two jobs during the day and put in a few extra hours at a bakery a few blocks away from our house when we went to bed. Through her hard work and determination, we all went to some of the best schools in the region to acquire quality education. I remember my mother continuously advising us to put in extra efforts in our studies and always follow our dreams. She would occasionally sit us down and enlighten us on the society we lived in and some of the dos and don’ts that defined moral citizens. She continuously and repeatedly urged us to stick together and find comfort and solace in one another at all times. As such, my siblings and I were very close. Being the youngest, they shielded and guarded me from bullies, helped me with my homework and even taught me to ride the bicycle. My siblings also shared wonderful stories about our father and how we were very much alike in terms of character, composure and people skills that saw us get along with individuals from diverse backgrounds with so much ease. Although our extended family lived in a different state, we visited them during the holidays and got the chance to play and bond with our cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents. I have grown up treasuring and thanking God for the gift of a family that comprises of individuals who love and cherish one another in good and bad times.
The other notable institution that is prevalent in my life is religion. I was born into a Catholic family made up of staunch Christians. We attended the local Catholic Church every Sunday without fail. My mother just like her parents and grandparents ensured she brought us up believing and trusting in God and always turning to Him whenever we felt pressured or challenged with the hustles and bustles of our daily lives. Religion also taught and encouraged us to live and abide by God’s commandments which also formed our moral campus. Although to be honest I felt pressured in the beginning, I eventually found my spiritual calling and can now fully consider myself a staunch and dedicated Christian. I am a committed member at the church and occasionally volunteer in various programs to help the less-disadvantaged in society. For instance, I oversee a rehabilitation program that assists homeless individuals suffering from drug addiction not only to overcome the issue but also find solace in serving God. I am also at the forefront of encouraging my fellow comrades at the college to seek refuge in the Lord using the Christian Union movement.
Examining the Institutions in my Life using Various Elements of Institutional Analysis
The first element of institutional analysis that will examine the institutions of family and religion that are prevalent in my life is culture. For many cen...