Today we were introduced to the concept of media institutions. Institutions, defined as “stable, valued, recurring patterns of behaviour.” Generally these are viewed as organisations but they can also include things like religion or marriage. Both are social institutions that develop a set of values and expectations. Society sets standards and rules, which create the makeup of these institutions that are less specifically defined. Traditions and ritualistic occasions are often undertaken to meet the conventions of each institution. Many of these traditions are symbolic and reflect meaning of important values embedded in each institution. Although beliefs are alterable and interchangeable there will always be dominant beliefs that are generally maintained out of convention. Marriage in particular is a widely accepted and practiced institution. It is a legally accepted practice that is accompanied with a legally recognised document that is acknowledged by the government. This is a powerful institution that alters the applicable legislation. Institutions have the power to alter how a community or individual conducts their lives.