Cultural Institutions

Cultural institutions are elements within a culture/sub-culture that are perceived to be important to, or traditionally valued among, its members for their own identity. Examples of cultural institutions in modern Western society are museums, churches, schools, work and the print media.

Television As a Cultural Institution Another example of a cultural institution is television. Television's has the power to communicate social values and ideas within a society through the shows and stories it exhibits. Television is viewed all over the world and has the power to shape society's political, social, and moral views.

Experts commonly name the following five cultural institutions as needed (at least in some way) in any society in order to survive: education, economic system, government, family, and religion.

Famous quotes containing the words cultural and/or institutions:

    Unfortunately there is still a cultural stereotype that it’s all right for girls to be affectionate but that once boys reach six or seven, they no longer need so much hugging and kissing. What this does is dissuade boys from expressing their natural feelings of tenderness and affection. It is important that we act affectionately with our sons as well as our daughters.
    Stephanie Martson (20th century)

    Let us stun and astonish the intruding rabble of men and books and institutions by a simple declaration of the divine fact. Bid the invaders take the shoes from off their feet, for God is here within.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)