social structure

American  

[soh-shuhl struhk-cher] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl ˈstrʌk tʃər /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of social structure

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Researchers thought this social structure could give females access to many different potential mates over time.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

Rational choices within families result in the Great Decompression, with deep consequences for the nation’s social structure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The law stipulates that under the "right to self-identity", settlements are entitled to protect and preserve their "social structure".

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

The show’s thorough, wonderfully readable catalog refers to the power of “funerary magnificence” in the kingdom’s social structure.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

For Charles to go against God and religion was to go against the established social structure.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• food chain
• hierarchy
• power structure