social structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social structure" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the way in which different groups of people in a society interact, and how they relate to each other. For example, "The Industrial Revolution disrupted traditional social structures and created new classes of wealth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Indeed, marmot social structure actively encourages inbreeding.

The Economist

It permeated the whole social structure".

The New Yorker

Social Structure and Social Networks.

Stanford University

The tunnels distort Gaza's social structure.

The Guardian

And, mostly, the blemished social structure of the city.

The New Yorker

What is the social structure of the community?

The New York Times - Science

Theirs is a social structure being displaced by newer entrants.

The New York Times

"And that understanding has become embedded in our social structure".

The New York Times

The social structure in the Glade is complex.

The Guardian - Film

Too many children are victims of our defective social structure.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Journal of Social Structure.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal changes, use "social structure" to refer to the underlying framework that shapes interactions and institutions. For example, "Technological advancements often lead to shifts in the existing "social structure"".

Common error

Avoid using "social structure" interchangeably with "social norms". "Social structure" refers to the broader organizational framework of society, while "social norms" are the expected behaviors within that structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social structure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the underlying framework of relationships, roles, and institutions that constitute a society. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to denote the organized pattern of social interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "social structure" is a very common noun phrase used to describe the organized pattern of relationships and institutions that make up a society. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable in a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While conceptually distinct from terms like "social norms" or "social organization", it is frequently used to analyze societal changes, hierarchies, and inequalities. When using this phrase, consider that its register leans towards neutral to formal, making it appropriate for analytical and objective discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal framework

Focuses more on the overall organizational system of a society.

community organization

Emphasizes the arrangement and relationships within a specific community.

social hierarchy

Highlights the ranking and stratification aspects of social relationships.

organizational structure of society

A more formal and detailed way of describing how society is arranged.

patterns of social relations

Focuses on the recurring ways people interact within a society.

fabric of society

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and interwoven nature of social elements.

social order

Highlights the established norms and practices that maintain stability in society.

system of social relationships

A broad term referring to the established connections between individuals and groups.

social stratification

Specifically refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social groups based on factors like wealth or status.

social organization

Highlights the deliberate arrangement of social groups to achieve specific goals.

FAQs

How do I use "social structure" in a sentence?

You can use "social structure" to discuss the framework of relationships and institutions within a society. For instance, "The study examined how the existing "social structure" influences access to education".

What's the difference between "social structure" and "social organization"?

"Social structure" refers to the broader, often unseen framework of a society, while "social organization" often refers to specific arrangements within that structure designed to achieve certain goals.

Is "social structure" the same as "social hierarchy"?

No, "social hierarchy" is a specific aspect of "social structure" that refers to the ranking and stratification of individuals and groups within a society. "Social structure" encompasses all aspects of social organization, not just hierarchical ones.

What are some related concepts to "social structure"?

Related concepts include "societal framework", "community organization", and "fabric of society". Each of these terms emphasizes different aspects of how a society is arranged and functions.