Social structure is made of the relatively permanent components of our social
environment. Even though all members of a society contribute to the social
structure, it is larger than any single individual. This is because individuals are
constantly entering and exiting the social structure. We may influence the social
structure very little at birth, a great deal during adulthood and little again during
old age. Social structure imposes order and stability on social life. It also may
constrict our behavior. Sociologists seek to understand how social structure is
created, how it changes, and how it affects our lives.