The Government as a Social Institution
Meaning of government as a social institution
The term institution refers to a mechanism or a form of structure that provides social order in a community. This structure provides social cooperation and order through governing the behaviors of individuals living in a certain locality, or a society (Helsley & Strange, 2000). The reference of the government as an institution is derived from its role of making and enforcing laws in a community as well as placing regulations on the interaction between societies. The government attains the reference as an institution due to its manner of the organization in different arms used in the purpose of administration. It consists of the legislative arm, which is responsible with the process of making laws, executive arm responsible with policy formulation and the judicial arm, whose main function is to monitor the process of the implementation of the law.
Importance of government as a social institution
Social institutions are important in the society as they are responsible for the eradication of poverty, corruption, illiteracy, pollution and protection of human rights. As a social institution, the government performs an essential function of ensuring that there is order and peaceful co-existence among people living within the society. The government plays a major role of formulating laws that define freedoms and rights of the individual. Through its arms, the government ensures that the residents of the society follow these laws. The government also has a major role of protecting the members of the community (Helsley & Strange, 2000). This role is performed through the provision of security within the society and defense from external attacks.
How government as a social institution, affect professional life
Government deals with social institutions such as schools, transport, public health and other public social amenities. The government has the option of responding or not responding to public policies. The government has the sole responsibility of public policy making, which involves relationships of influence, power, interests, conflicts, and cooperation, which shape the concluding plan and implementation. Politics define the status of the public good in the society, and can interfere with what is received by the public, and the manner of services delivery. Health policies can significantly affect the citizens, especially social exclusion and barriers to accessing quality healthcare. In the transport sector, government policies tend to promote spatial inequalities, which are based on racism (Helsley & Strange, 2000). Inequalities in accessing social institutions affect the public in a negative way since; they are unable to access the services that they have a right of accessing. Discrimination and lack of fair policies affects the professional life of the working people since, it denies them a fair chance of working.
Disadvantages of government as a social institution
Social welfare programs do not reach the population that is in need (Helsley & Strange, 2000). The government may not deliver the required services effectively due to political interference and other issues that hinder the effectively delivery of public services. Many people, who can afford private services, do not use the public services due to the quality of services. The government is not as effective, in delivering the social goods, hence the many problems that face the social institutions.
Reference
Helsley, R. W., & Strange, W. C. (2000). Social Interactions and the Institutions of Local Government. American Economic Review, 90(5), 1477-1490.
