SOCIETY

Meaning, Nature and Characteristics

• Words like society, community, association, institution, social organisation, social system, folkways, mores, values, and customs are essential in the study of society.
• These are concepts that carry precise meanings and help in understanding the subject clearly.
• Every science has its own terms or concepts, and the student of sociology must understand its basic terms accurately.
• Society is the most fundamental concept in sociology but also one of the most vague and general terms.
• Examples of how the word “society” is used:
  • Co-operative Society, Agricultural Society, Friendly Society, Society of Jesus, Theosophical Society refer to associations.
  • “I enjoy his society“, “I like the society of artists”, “I move in high society” refer to company or fellowship.
  • Urban society, rural society, modern industrial society, primitive society, open society, and closed societyrefer to different types of societies.
• The term “society” is derived from the Latin word “socius,” meaning companionship or friendship, indicating sociability.
• George Simmel emphasized that sociability defines the true essence of society, where man always lives in the company of others.
• Aristotle described man as a social animal, needing society for living, working, and enjoying life.
• Society is an essential condition for human life to exist and continue.
• Definitions of society:
  • Morris Ginsberg: “A society is a collection of individuals united by certain relations or modes of behavior which differentiate them from others.”
  • G.D.M. Cole: “Society is the complex of organized associations and institutions with a community.”
  • Prof. Giddings: “Society is the union, the organization, and the sum of formal relations binding individuals together.”
  • Lapiere: “Society refers to the complex pattern of the norms of interaction among individuals.”
  • MacIver: “Society is a web of social relationships.”

Characteristics of Society

• Society consists of people; without individuals, there can be no society, social relationships, or social life.
• Mutual interaction and mutual awareness are key characteristics of society. Social interaction involves reciprocal contact between individuals, and society exists where individuals are aware of each other.
• Social relationships exist only when there is mutual awareness, and society is understood as a network of social relationships.
• Likeness is essential for society; people share similarities in needs, works, aims, values, and outlooks on life. Society rests on consciousness of kind, as F.H. Giddings notes.
• Difference is also important for society; it creates diversity and makes life interesting. People differ in looks, personality, ability, intelligence, faith, etc. These differences contribute to varied roles in society (e.g., farmers, doctors, teachers).
• Cooperation and division of labour arise from likeness and difference. Division of labour involves assigning specific tasks to individuals or groups, leading to specialization, a hallmark of modern society.
• Cooperation is the foundation of social life; it arises when individuals realize they share common interests, leading to mutual efforts towards common goals.
• Interdependence characterizes social relationships, where individuals and groups depend on each other. This extends to communities, social groups, and nations.
• Society is dynamic; it is constantly changing. New institutions emerge, old ones die, and society evolves to meet the demands of time.
• Social control is necessary to regulate behaviour within society. Formal means include law, legislation, police, and courts, while informal means include customs, traditions, and manners.
• Culture distinguishes one society from another. It includes a society’s values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Culture shapes how people live, think, and behave.
• Culture is an element of society, binding its individuals together, shaping their behaviour patterns.
• Gregariousness is a basic human instinct; man is inherently social and lives in groups. Society is essential for human development and survival.
• Society is integral to human life, from childhood to old age, influencing development, education, and personality growth.
• Society makes life livable, shaping our beliefs, morals, and ideals. It liberates and controls our activities, contributing to emotional, intellectual, and material development.