Notes

On the macro scale, social structure is the system of socioeconomic stratification (e.g., the class structure), social institutions, or, other patterned relations between large social groups. On the meso scale, it is the structure of social network ties between individuals or organizations.

It is a difficult concept but consider that social life is not entirely random, it is patterned or 'structured' and we have certain routines, norms and ways of doing things and have created social institutions which shape and guide our social life. These are mostly subconsciously carried out and so are seen as the 'norm' within society. Social life is also 'structured' in the sense that we have various social hierarchies and social positions that people fit into- e.g. men are seen as more powerful than women. This means that although we have free will and can make our own choices and decisions, our actions are also, to an extent, constrained by these social structures.