what is institution

An institution is a humanly devised structure of rules and norms that shape and constrain individual behavior. It is generally characterized by a level of persistence and continuity, and can include laws, rules, social conventions, norms, beliefs, organizations, and systems of human-made, nonphysical elements that generate behavioral regularities. Institutions can be formal or informal, and can take many forms, such as a public or private place for the care or confinement of inmates, a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture, or an established organization or corporation, especially of a public character, such as a bank or university. Institutions can have a major impact on political processes and outcomes, and different theoretical approaches to institutions differ on the nature of that impact.