social structure

[soh-shuhl struhk-cher]

noun

1. Sociology.

   1. the system or complex of beliefs held by members of a social group.

   2. the system of relations between the constituent groups of a society.

   3. the relationship between or the interrelated arrangement of the social institutions of a society or culture, as of mores, marriage customs, or family.

   4. the pattern of relationships, as of status or friendship, existing among the members of a group or society.

Word History and Origins

Origin of social structure¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Long reactionary in their politics and social structure, these states’ business-friendly policies now have something to teach the progressive Golden State.

From Los Angeles Times

As we sat down on the ground to put them at ease, he said that these animals have a very complex social structure.

From BBC

Moving into different groups is key in shaping the animals' social structure.

From BBC

As people not blinded by NRA propaganda noted, this meant the law could never reflect changes in technology or social structures that have occurred in the past 250 years.

From Salon

Strict gender separation common to early 19th century social structures underwent unexpected transformation after the binaries of heterosexual and homosexual were invented in 1869.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• food chain 
• hierarchy 
• power structure