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

Related Words

• food chain 
• hierarchy 
• power structure