This week we focused on the idea of “institutions” and some ways of looking at the term institutions. An institution is a term from sociology and is concerned with the organisation structures of society. They can have Social, cultural, political, or economic relations. All institutions have a set of principles, values, rules that underlie these.
Individuals can struggle under constraints imposed by institutions. Types of institutions we encounter include the police, the education system and the government.
Marriage is a social institution. Reasons it is considered so include:
– it is a part of a cultural
experience and differs for each society.
– it comes with a set of expectations for each person involved.
– Forms a part of a cultural narrative.
Institutions can share historical continuities. Ie The Church, who may not have as much power as they did previously are still considered a source of authority for religious people.
Examples of Media Institutions:
ABC
Journalism
The news
PSB
Community Radio
News Corp
Broadcast Television
each of the above:
– have an enduring system.
– Regulate and structure activity
– Are collectivist.
-Develop working practices
-Employees and people associated are expected to share values
-Public is aware of this status
(from the media student’s handbook)
When these expectations are not upheld controversy can arise. Recent examples include:
Controversies:
-SBS journo fired for Anzac Day comments.
-New York Times investigated for journalists.
-The Church and sex abuse scandals.