Definition and features of Society.
Definition and features of Society.
What is society? What are the features of society?
Define society. Discuss the characteristics of society.
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Concept / Definition of society:-
Charles Horton Cooley called society a complex process. According to him, every person and institution in society interacts with each other.
Maurice Ginsburg said - the existence of different individuals and groups, institutions, etc. can be observed in society. The cooperative and competitive, organized and unorganized, conscious and unconscious, direct and indirect relationships that can be seen between them - is society.
MacIver and Page called society a complex web of social relations. He also called society ever-changing.
Arnold Green called society a larger group. Within this larger group, different individuals, groups of individuals and institutions exist.
Therefore, society is - an organizational manifestation of humans which is widespread and universal. The formation and evolution of society is a complex process. Within society, all kinds of people interact and exchange ideas with each other. Society is a permanent public organization.
Features / Characteristics of society:-
1. Uniformity:-
The mutual relationship of all individuals and institutions in society develops common goals and objectives. There is a common relationship between the diversity of needs of every person living in society. For example, the needs of every person in the world - education, food, clothing, housing, medical services - etc. These systems can be observed in all societies - no matter how different that society is from another society.
2. Diversity:-
Despite uniformity, there are differences among individuals in society. For example, differences between women and men, differences in the power and interests of different people in society, differences between rulers and ruled - etc. This diversity or contrast is absolutely essential to strengthen social bonds. Diversity is effective in fulfilling the overall needs of people.
3. Interdependence:-
Every individual, group of individuals and institutions in society are dependent on each other. Human needs are manifold and diverse. Therefore, everyone in society has to be mutually dependent. For example, even if a farmer is self-reliant in terms of food, he is dependent on others in various fields such as medicine, education, clothing, etc.
4. Abstraction:-
There is no such thing as an organic form of society. Therefore, Professor Giddings has called society a psychological concept. We can only perceive the existence of society.
5. Omnipresence:-
Society is an omnipresent institution. Society exists in every part of the world, where people live. The existence of a person outside society cannot be imagined. Therefore, the existence of society can be observed everywhere in the world.
6. Ancient - System:-
Society never came into being suddenly. Society has existed since the beginning of human civilization. In ancient or primitive times, when language, writing, etc. were not prevalent, society still existed. Therefore, society is an ancient system.
7. Dynamics: -
Society is a dynamic process. No society confines itself to a specific position. Society is always dynamic in order to fulfill specific needs and demands. For example, primitive society has advanced itself to different stages of evolution in line with time. From prehistoric society to the Old Stone Age, then the New Stone Age, then gradually transitioning to the modern era.
8. Interaction: -
Every individual, group, institution in society organizes actions and reactions with each other. It is through these actions and reactions that many human needs are fulfilled.
9. Grouping: -
The need for grouping can be observed among the individuals in society. Man is always a social animal, he can never live alone. Therefore, the tendency to live together can be observed among the individuals in society.
10. Division of Labor:-
Division of labor can be observed in every society. Division of labor fulfills the overall needs of the individuals in the society. Different needs of people are fulfilled due to different individuals being engaged in different activities.
11. Social Customs:-
The presence of social customs can be observed in every society. Every society has different social customs, folk customs, and folk policies. Through these, a specific law is created in the society and the society is governed by these laws.
12. Social Tradition and Culture:-
Social tradition and culture are a main feature of humans. Therefore, tradition and culture exist in every society. Humans are the bearers and custodians of this tradition and culture.
13. Authority:-
A specific authority is needed to run every society. The existence of different authoritative individuals or organizations can be observed to run every society. However, the nature and character of authority are different in different societies. For example, in a monarchical society, all authority was in the hands of the king and his officials; in a democratic state, all authority is vested in the hands of the common people.
14. Presence of various institutions:-
The presence of various types of institutions can be observed in every society. Different institutions are needed in society to run the society and keep it functioning. Education, health services, municipal services, law and order, production and distribution of food and goods, etc., keep the society functioning and fulfill the various needs of people.
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