Concept and definition of society

Society

1. Society

2. Introduction to Society The term ‘Society’ is the most fundamental one in Sociology . But still it is one of the most vague and general concept in the Sociologist’s vocabulary. The term ‘society’ is derived from the L atin word ‘ Socius ’ , which means companionship or friendship ! Companionship means sociability. As George Simmel pointed out , it is this element of sociability which defines the true essence of society . It indicates that man always lives in the company of other people. ‘Man is a social animal’, said Aristotle centuries ago

3. Sociologists discuss ‘society’ from two point of views:- Organizational perspective Functional Perspective There are three stages of Social Interaction :- Interaction between Individuals Interaction between Individuals and Groups Interaction between groups

4. Other reasons behind developing society are :- Goal achievement or fulfilling needs through different social contact Mental satisfaction through social contact On special occasions , different social actions may be performed with the company of other persons or groups Each individual wants some psychological and physical security from society . It cannot be achieved without the help of other individuals.

5. Definitions “A society is a collection of individuals united by certain relations or mode of behaviour which mark them off from others who do not enter into these relations or who differ from them in behaviour.” – M.Ginsberg “Society is the complex of all organized associations and institutions with a community.” – Cole

6. Definitions 3. “Society is the union itself , the organization , the sum of formal relations in which associating individuals are bound together.” – Giddings 4. “The tem ‘society’ refers to a group of people , but to the complex pattern of the norms of interaction , that arise among them and between them.” - Lapiere

7. Characteristics of Society Society consists of people Mutual Interaction and Mutual Awareness Society depends on Likeness Society Rests on Difference Co-operation and Division of Labour Society implies Interdependence

8. Characteristics of Society 7. Society is dynamic 8. Social Control 9. Culture 10. Society depends on the gregarious nature of man 11. Society is abstarct

9. Characteristics of Society Society (as discussed by MacIver and Page) is abstract . But modern sociologists such as Johnson discussed society as concrete. According to Johnson , main characteristics of society are :- Definite Territory Sexual Reproduction Comprehensive Culture Independence

10. Differences between Association and Society

11. Society Association 1. Originally Society is prior to Association . It is older than Association. 1. Originally Association is later to society . It is younger than society. 2. Society may be organised or unorganised 2. Association is always organised. 3. Society is formed for welfare of mass. 3. Association is formed to fulfil some goals or needs. 4. Society is permanent. 4. Association is temporary in nature . In some cases , it’s permanency is relative. 5. Society is natural 5. Association is temporary in nature 6. Society is a complex web of social relationship. 6. Association is a collection of individuals. 7. Membership is compulsory. 7. Membership is voluntary

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