SOCIETY.pptx

society

1. SOCIETY Aristotle, man is a social animal .‟ Society is nothing but a web of social relationships”. Hence it is observed that by nature as well as by necessity man is a social animal . Hence the relationships between man and man have multi dimensions. These relationships cover not only political relationships but social, religious relationships also. Nature of Society :- Society is a much broader concept compared to State and government . However a bunch of people does not become society. Similarly a crowd is also not a society .

2. In fact, Today society is a big complex of all types of associations and communities .” It has become essential to human existence as through society only, a man can fulfill his needs and dreams. Similarly in a society there are rules, regulations, initiations which regulate the relationships between people .

3. Association :- It has been defined as an organization of people operating with some fixed rules and has been formed for some specific purpose . These rules are normally written but in rare cases, they could be unwritten. If we compare an “ association ” with a mob it will become clear that “mob ” has no common specific purpose and has no organization. The comparison between mob and association bring forth four elements of an association group of people Definite rules and regulations Specific purpose. Co-operation among the members. In today’s society one can find all kinds of associations such as social , economic, cultural, sports, political.

4. All these associations are created by people and for the people etc. But we must keep in mind that “ State ” is the supreme association, which can be called association of associations. While other associations are man made , State is regarded as the natural outcome of man’s nature. Community :- Community covers a whole area of social life . It could be a village, city , Province or a country. Hence the focus is on discussion of common life being lived by people . Hence people relate to each other freely.

5. This discussion brings to surface two essential elements of community. 1] Locality area – Community covers a specified territory. e. g ., village , town state. Normally a good community would be settled on a particular piece of land. This habitation on land creates strong emotional bonds towards the land . 2] Common Social Characteristics :- Whether it is a village community or town community, one can identify some common social characteristics. Like social customs, religious festivals , etc. These create a sense of belonging , oneship among the members . Quite often we see “ community ” is being used to communicate a group of people of a particular faith. For example, Sikh Community, Jewish Community . But Such use is regarded as “ unscientific ” .

6. Institution It is nothing but well established and recognized forms of relationship between social beings . In the case of “ institutions ” , what is important is recognized form of relationship . But in case of association and communities they deal with body of people. In other word , society is a huge complex of many kinds of associations, groups , communities and institutions . Historically , we find that for thinkers like plato , Aristotle, there was no distinction between state and society . Since the city states of Greek era, were small in size and number, there was no distinction between state and society. Similarly we can also quote Hegel, a German Philosopher who had projected the idea of “ State-society ”. In modern times however, we believe that state and society are two different bodies

7. This distinction can be understood through their comprehensive definitions “ State is a community of people, more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent or nearly independent of external control, having an organized government which is obeyed by maximum people ” . As discussed earlier, analysis of this definition brings four element 1] Population 2] Territory 3] Government 4] Sovereignty . Similarly we must also discuss definition of “ Society ” . It is the whole community of mankind, just as much as a small social group or a village ‟.

8. There is always a web of relationship covering not only political relationships but also social, relations, economic relationships etc. While discussing State and Society it is essential to understand which come first? Society or State ? Scholars believe that society come first. Much before state became a reality, there existed some kind of social organizations . In the earliest phase of humanity, there were hunters, fishermen, fruit gatherers who had some social groups . There was no State then. State evolved over a period of time . Even today, we have Eskimos who have no semblance of State . In other words, out of Society comes State.

9. It is not just the issue of who come first state or society, it is also the issue of scope of the two. It is clear that the scope of society is much larger than the State. In case of State it is just a system created for enforcing discipline, law and order, tax collection, ensuring internal and external security. But society covers lot of ground . In a society various kinds of associations exists. These care social, cultural, economic, religious, sports and entertainment associations . We can sum up by saying State is single purpose body whereas society is multi - purpose body. Also in terms of structure , society encompasses state .

10. Similarly we should also understand one more aspect about state and society . State is allowed to use coercion, force to implement its orders, programmers, schemes, etc . But society cannot use force. It uses persuasion, forces of tradition. In rare case, it can use “ social boycott”. But more often than not, it believes in persuasion.

11. In addition to above differences, one must conclude by highlighting one more difference. It is about territory. A State must have well defined territory, where as society can be borderless. For example, the Red cross society have branches all over the world. While discussing the difference between state and society, one must also take into account the agency of government. As noted before, government is a constituent element of state, whereas government has no role in the formation and functioning of the society. Historically society came first and then came `government.

12. CIVIL SOCIETY Civil Society is the arena outside of the family, the state and the market where people associate to advance common interests. According to the Dictionary meaning, Civil Society as the aggregate of non-government organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens. Civil Society are vital for democracy. It facilitates better awareness and a more informed citizenry, who make better voting choices, participate in politics and hold government more accountable.