Distinguishing between the Functions of Institutions

People are always searching for answers as it relates to their

existence and purpose in life. Religious institutions such as
churches, temples, mosques, synagogues provide answers to those
everyday issues/questions. Through their religious teachings, they:

 Provide a sense of identity for individuals

 Provide individuals with consolation ,reconciliation and relief

from guilt

 Provide some form of social control

 Teach reverence for life and promote social change

Religious institutions have lend their support to the wider society by

providing shelters for the homeless, offering counseling services,
providing financial aid, setting up day care/nurseries for children
and attending to society's rejects.
The Caribbean is a multi-religious society, and there is therefore an
existence of high level of tolerance and ecumenism which has led to
the formation of many interreligious organizations. Our Ancestors
came from various parts of the world including Africa, Europe, India
and China. These people brought with them their religious beliefs
and practices which have endured over time. There are relatively
new religions that have emerged in the Caribbean as well.
(Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Rastafarianism, Orisha-
popular religions found in the Caribbean)
Can you imagine what life would be like if all we do every day was
work, work and more work? Yes, you are right!! We would be so
miserable and stressed out, not to mention the deterioration in our
health. Our bodies need rest, time to relax and enjoy the pleasures
of life. Recreational institutions seek to satisfy or attend to those
needs. Recreational institutions include:

 Theme Parks

 Sports Club - football, cricket, gym, etc

 Theatres

 Museums

Among many others.

Most governments have recognized that for development to take

place in the society, the population must be educated. It is on that
basis that governments provide funding for both public and private
educational institutions. Educational institutions are classified as
early childhood, primary, secondary and post-secondary or tertiary.
These institutions carry out the following functions in society at the
corresponding level:

 Provide students with basic skills in reading, writing, numeracy

and computing

 develop the individual morally, intellectually, spiritually and

physically
  develop creativity, critical thinking skills and interpersonal
skills in students

 prepare individuals for the world of work

 transmit the beliefs, customs and values of the society

 provide the basis for technical development in society

 provide for social mobility

These are just a few of the many functions of educational

institutions.

The government of any country is that institution/organization that

has been entrusted with the power and authority to control and
direct the affairs of the society. This institution regulates the
activities of the society by making, maintaining and enforcing laws
that prevent chaos and anarchy.

a political institution sets the rules in which an orderly society

obeys and ultimately decides and administers the laws for those
that do not obey appropriately.

Eg. Political parties, trade unions.

FUNCTIONS OF A POLITICAL INSTITUTION

-Collects revenue
Governments collects the revenue through taxation to run its
administrative machinery efficiently, rest of the money is spent on
public welfare.

To create Social control

Legislature – makes laws for the country

Executive - enforces laws and administers

Judiciary – punishment for who breaks the law

Economic institutions addresses a range of activities in which

individuals, groups or organizations and societies engage to satisfy
needs and wants. These economic institutions include:
√ Banks
√ Insurance companies
√ Credit unions
√ Stock market
√ Trade unions

Economic activities in a country result from the development of the

natural and physical resources. Transport companies, wholesalers
and retailers are required to distribute the finished goods/product.
Other services employed to ensure that the developed goods are
distributed includes communication, marketing and advertisement
agencies.