Social structure is a complex of ranks, roles and norms.
Characteristics of social structure:
$(1)$ Group of social status:
The first and essential feature of social structure is social status.
Different levels are required to meet the needs of different groups or organizations.
The goal of a group or an organization can be achieved only through division of labor through these ranks.
E.g. the structure of the school is sustained by the ranks of principal, teacher, student, clerk, servant etc.
$(2)$ Group of social roles:
Social status and social role are two sides of the same coin.
Social role is a behavioral aspect of social status.
Social status has a role to play in meeting the needs of any system.
For example, the principal is to run the school, the clerk is to do the administrative work and the student is to play the role of the person studying.
$(3)$ Social norms:
Social norms provide guidance to an individual and a group on how to play a role according to status.
Lack of social norms spreads chaos in the social structure.
For example, to be selected as a teacher in a school, one must have a certain qualification.
The school has different standards of admission, examination, and curriculum.
It is on the basis of these standards that the goals of education are achieved.