The concept refers to the norms, values, and structures that transcend the individual and exert a coercive influence on behavior. These are external to the individual and are capable of exercising on individual an external constraint; moreover, they are general throughout a given society. A classic illustration includes the institution of marriage. It exists as a societal construct, pre-dating any individual marriage, and shapes the expectations and behaviors of those who enter into it. Similarly, language, laws, and moral codes fall under this designation.
Understanding this concept is crucial for sociological analysis. It provides a framework for examining how societal structures shape individual actions and beliefs. Its historical importance lies in its contribution to the establishment of sociology as a distinct scientific discipline, differentiating it from psychology and philosophy by focusing on observable, measurable social phenomena. The benefit lies in the ability to analyze societal problems, such as crime or inequality, as resulting from structural forces rather than solely individual characteristics.