An enduring system of roles, rules, norms and expectations in which elements of a circle civilisation are socially embedded and thereby made less dependent on particular persons.
- Explanation. An institution need not be a formal organisation. Marriage, property, or the generally shared expectation that agreements will be honoured may also function as institutions. Organisations may be bearers of institutions, but organisation and institution are not the same concept.
Occurs in Propositions
- Proposition 029 – Institutions strengthen power bases
- Proposition 030 – Actors exercise institutional power
- Proposition 031 – Sources of institutional conformity
- Proposition 032 – Internalisation strengthens institutional conformity
- Proposition 033 – Institutional operation depends on conduct
- Proposition 068 – Internalisation and social operation
Last updated: 3 October 2026