A society is a Tau-network: a stable configuration of bonded Tau-addresses that maintains itself through collective Tau-flow. Social institutions are Tau-network nodes that persist because they channel and distribute Tau-flow across the network.
Social roles are specialised Tau-flow functions within the network. Division of labour is Tau-flow specialisation. Role conflict is Tau-flow function interference. Role loss (redundancy, retirement) is Tau-flow function removal — explaining its psychological severity.
Social norms are Tau-flow regulatory protocols: shared expectations that maintain predictable Tau-bond resonance across the network. Norm violation disrupts Tau-flow predictability. Sanctioning systems are Tau-flow restoration mechanisms.
Social stratification is systematic Tau-flow inequality embedded in the Tau-network structure. Class, caste, and status hierarchies are structural features that channel disproportionate Tau-flow toward some nodes and away from others.
Social mobility is the movement of Tau-addresses between network strata. Upward mobility is access to higher-Tau-flow network positions. Structural barriers to mobility are Tau-flow gatekeeping mechanisms embedded in the network topology.
Social change is reorganisation of the Tau-network: new bonding patterns, new node structures, new Tau-flow distributions. Revolutionary change is rapid Tau-network reorganisation. Gradual reform is incremental Tau-flow redistribution within stable topology.