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

5. Definitions
1. “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
2. “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
1. Society consists of people
2. Mutual Interaction and Mutual
Awareness
3. Society depends on Likeness
4. Society Rests on Difference
5. Co-operation and Division of Labour
6. 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 :-
i. Definite Territory
ii. Sexual Reproduction
iii. Comprehensive Culture
iv. Independence

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