What term describes the structured components intended to maintain social order in society?

The term "institutions" refers to the established and structured components within society that play crucial roles in maintaining social order. Social institutions encompass various organized systems of norms, values, and roles that shape social behavior and interactions. Examples include family, education, religion, and government. These institutions provide frameworks for individuals to function within society, helping to ensure stability and continuity by guiding behavior and facilitating cooperation among members.

Institutions are fundamental to the functioning of society because they create a sense of order and predictability in social relations. They establish the rules and expectations that govern interactions and reinforce social norms, which are crucial for the cohesiveness and functioning of communities. In contrast, the other terms present various aspects of social life, but they do not encapsulate the idea of structured components that directly aim to uphold social order in the same way institutions do.