Distinguishing institutions and organisations in social change

There has been a renewed interest in social institutions and social change. However, most discussions of social change use the terms 'institutions' and 'organisations' almost interchangeably, while a few make a distinction which is then ignored. obscured or lost. Institutions are sets of norms which apply across a variety of specific organisations. Organisations are structures of social relationship, social actors arranged in positions and roles; usually, but not always, deliberately arranged and designed to achieve some end. Institutions provide normative environments shaping the activities of organisations. Distinguishing institutions and organisations facilitates discussion of the relationship between them, examining the different contribution each makes in social change and making cross-national comparisons. Using examples from the institutions of religion, education and patriarchy the relationship between institutions and organisations in social change is explored.