This gallery will be updated to include a wider variety of religious and social institutions, more representative of the mosaic of British Columbia society as reflected in the holdings of the BC Archives
Every society has structures which provide a common social framework. These structures can be broadly referred to as social institutions and are distinct from any organization that results from the political realm.
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Abbotsford May Day celebrations ca. 1925 D-04159 |
The communication and interaction that takes place through these social institutions, provides a common bond for all the distinct individuals in society.
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G-08497 |
All these shared experiences contribute to creating a society that allows for great differentiation while at the same time providing certain elements that are recognized by the majority of individuals.
Given the enormous range of social institutions, this gallery has chosen to concentrate on a few examples that have been prevalent in British Columbia's society. They are Women's Institutes, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, Schools, and religious institutions such as churches and synagogues.
Each of these institutions reflects a different aspect of society. They each fulfil a different role in society fostering spiritual, social, or educational development. On a larger scale these organizations exemplify the links that bind a community, and ultimately a society, together.
