Keyword: Institution

The term Institution is derived from the Classical Latin institutionem, and the 1551 Old French institution, defined as an "established law or practice." The stem of the word in modern English is intitute, its definition revisited and revised throughout history and across societies from the early 1600s to today. The earliest definition deals with "purpose, design, plan, ordinance", while its later one (18th century) defines the term as "A society or organization intituted to promote some literacy, scientific, artistic, professional, or educational object." The OED has several definitions for the term Institution, the first being "The action of instituting or establishing; setting on foot or in operation; foundation; ordainment; the fact of being instituted." The second definition of the word is "The establishment or ordination of Sacrament of the Christian Church, esp. of the Eucharist, by Christ." As you move through the definitions we get a more "modern" explanation of the term: "The established order by which anything is regulated; system; constitution."

The constantly evolving term now encompasses a broader social context, but still has many of the implications it did in its origins. To institute, to create and maintain order through ideological definitions of it (it, being that order and organization). Ideologies are hegemonic ideas/beliefs utilized by very specific individuals to create the social frame in which we all live. An institution is the way in which those ideologies may be enforced to keep us from defying not only societal laws, rules, and regulations, but beliefs and expectations. Because we are social beings, we participate and interact in society each day throughout our lives. In these societies we consciously and unconsciously participate in various institutions. In fact, the term institution is used most commonly as social institution: the economic, educational, familial, medical, political, religious structures which "guide" our lives.

I will focus on the institution of education in America. In one definition, the OED cites education as "The systematic instruction, schooling or training given to the young in preparation for the work of life." The "work of life"; the ability to live actively in ones particular society. Without the very basic education (development of language) one cannot interact with others. This education usually begins at home, it is the duty of a parent to introduce language to their child. With the basics being reinforced, that child can attend preschool ("pre" perhaps because the basic teachings include how/how not to act towards others). The lessons learned in these schools may be taught in the home but as we move "up", parents cannot necessarily replace teachers. Teachers are trained in the educational system and are hired by educational institutions to pass on their knowledge. It seems unquestionable that these instructors of "life" be recognized and compensated accordingly, yet they are still greatly undermined by the political institutions who support them financially. This may be a deterrent for many desiring going into education, which is a great problem considering the importance we as a society put on formal educational training.

Beginning with preschool (which includes three and four year olds), a school may be public or private. Because education is so highly valued in this country, the state provides it to citizens free of charge. Elementary schools are buildings with classrooms including desks, books, writing utensils, all paid for by the state; unless one attends private school. In this case, everything is paid for through donations by wealthy parents, family friends and companies. Thousands of dollars in tuition and a rigorous application process ensures not only a smaller, more intimate learning environment, but exposure to "superior" networks in the form of class homogeneity. Because of their class position, these students learn in finer facilities. Because of their parents class position, these students are often given other great advantages not available to those who cannot afford this form of education. As we move towards higher education (college, undergraduate and graduate), these inequalities become magnified because the state starts cutting its already shockingly low funding. Private schools are unattainable for many simply because of financial reasons. In many private schools, legacies are given priority, often overriding applicants' educational achievements.

Much like the economic principle of supply and demand, as education becomes more difficult to attain, its value goes up. The one who can afford college then, will be given priority over the one who cannot. In this way each societal institution is intertwined. In order to survive, we must participate in the economic system completely out of our control. And according to the American Dream, individuals control their own destinies. The harder one works, the more benefits they will see. Sadly, this philosophy is widely untrue. It is not simple meritocracy that governs our success, it is the strategic work of our country's institutions. If one cannot attain a "desirable" level of education for whatever reason, they are at a disadvantage.

The word institution has a root in the idea of regulation, control, instruction. As its definition expanded to include forms of public utility, it still remains that these systems maintain specific ideologies. Individuals will continue institutions unconsciously as they are all around us and so much a part of our socialization processes, and consciously (in the case of education) so as to be able to make money to survive and not be sanctioned against by the rest of society.