Introductory Sociology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is a function of a social institution?

1. To regulate organizations

2. To monitor economic output

3. To facilitate interaction between individuals

4. To promote cultural norms

The correct answer is: To promote cultural norms

A social institution serves the purpose of promoting cultural norms by establishing expectations and guidelines for behavior within a society. While regulating organizations and monitoring economic output may be functions of certain social institutions, they are not the main or primary purposes. Facilitating interaction between individuals is also a function of social institutions, but it is not the overall function, as social institutions also serve to promote and maintain cultural norms. Therefore, D is the best choice as it best describes the overall function of a social institution.