An institution is a social structure in which people cooperate and which influences the behavior of people and the way they live.

An institution has a purpose. Institutions are permanent, which means that they do not end when one person is gone. An institution has rules and can enforce rules of human behavior. The word "institution" can be used in two ways. It can mean a very broad idea, or a very "specific" (narrow) one. For example:

• Government is an institution in the broad sense. Westminster Parliament is an institution in the specific sense.
• Education is an institution in the broad sense. Harvard University is an institution in the specific sense.