In this article we will discuss Society – Meaning Definition and Characteristics.
Society – Meaning Definition and Characteristics
Meaning
The term ‘society’ is derived from the Latin word ‘socius’, which means companionship or friendship. In common parlance, the word ‘society’ is usually used to designate the members of specific in group rather than the social relationships of those persons; for example, a Harijan society. Sometimes the word is used to designate institutions; for example, Arya Samaj (society) or Brahmo Samaj.
In sociology, the term ‘society’ refers not to a group of people, but to the complex pattern of the norms of interaction that arises among them. An important aspect of the society is the system of relationships, the pattern of norms of interaction by which the members of a society maintain themselves.
Some Definitions of Society
According to Ginsberg – ‘A society is a collection of individuals united by certain relations or modes of behaviour which mark them off from others who do not enter into these relations or who diff er from them in behaviour’.
According to Green- ‘A society is the larger group to which any individual belongs’.
According to G.D.M Cole- “Society is the complex of organised associations and institutions with a community.
According to Giddings – “Society is the union itself, the organisation, the sum of formal relations in which associating individuals are bound ,together.”
According to Lapiere – ‘The term society refers not to group of people, but to the complex pattern of the norms of interaction, that arise among and between them”.
According to MacIver- Society is “a web of social relationship”.
Characteristics of Society
The basic characteristics of society are as follows:·
1) Society consists of People- Society is composed of people. Without the students and the teachers there can be no college and no university. Similarly, without people there can be no society, no social relationships, and no social life at all. ‘
2) Mutual Interaction and Mutual Awareness- Society is a group of people in continuous interaction with each other. It refers to the reciprocal contact between two or more persons. Social interaction is made possible because of mutual awareness.
(3) Society Depends on Likeness- The principle of likeness is essential for society. Likeness refers to the similarities. People have similarities with regards to their needs, works, aims, ideals, values, outlook towards life, and so on.
4) Society Rests on Difference Too- Society also implies difference. A society based entirely on likeness and uniformities is bound to be loose in socialities.
5) Co-operation and Division of Labour- Primarily likeness and secondarily difference create the division of labour. Division of labour involves the assignment to each unit or group a specific share of a common task.
Division of labour is possible because of co-operation. Society is based on co-operation. It is the very basis of our social life. As C.H. Cooley says, ‘co-operation arises when men realise that they have common interests’. It refers to the mutual working together for the attainment of a common goal.
6) Society Implies Interdependence Also- Social relationships are characterised by interdependence. Family, the most basic social group, for example, is based upon the interdependence of man and woman. One depends upon the other for the satisfaction of one’s needs. As society advances, the area of interdependence also grows. Today, not only individuals are interdependent upon one another, but even, communities, social groups, societies and nations are also interdependent.
(7) Society is Dynamic- Society is not static, it is dynamic. Change is ever present in society. Changeability is an inherent quality of human society. No society can ever remain constant for any length of time.
8) Conflict: Conflict is a major component of society. It expresses itself in numerous ways and in various degrees. Conflicts create a sense of insecurity and this leads to search of strategies to manage them so that the members live in harmony.
I just wanted to drop by and say how much I appreciate your blog. Your writing style is both engaging and informative, making it a pleasure to read. Looking forward to your future posts!
Well-researched and balanced. Appreciate the effort behind this.