Characteristics of society

Society, a very important concept in sociology, has the following characteristics.

A. Abstract concept

As society is a concept developed out of the interrelationship of individuals and groups, it is abstract in nature. We can only experience it. It is immaterial and invisible. Though abstract, it includes many relations.

B. Society is a dynamic concept

Society changes over time Today'S society is also a product of change. Society changes because of social expectations, cooperation, conflict and competition. Karl Marx sees a social change to be a result of class struggle so, social change is a common phenomenon. Different aspects of society change as society develops.

No possible to assume society without the presence of individuals in it. Society develops from the behaviour, activities and relations of individuals. Therefore, There is no society without individuals.

C. Interdependency

Individuals, groups, organizations and units in society have no individual existence or this type of existence has no meaning. All units are interdependent. As our body is possible with the interdependence of different organs, society is possible with the interdependence of its various units. It means different aspects of society are dependent on each other.

D. Based on likeness and difference

Society is a very complex concept and within are we find likeness and differences in terms of castes, ethnicity, level of education, economic status, norms and values, tradition, language and culture. There are more qualities among these aspects within a single group and more differences compared to other outside groups. There is no society, which has only likeness or difference. We can find both of these features in society.

E. Co-operation and conflict

As there are likeness and difference, there is also conflict and co-operation in society. Co-operation is natural as there is interdependence of elements and conflict also occurs due to differences in terms of wealth, religion, culture, caste as well as due to oppression and exploitation. Therefore, co-operation and conflict in society are like two sides of a coin.

E. Culture is an indispensable factor in society

Society has culture as its integral part. There is no society without culture but culture differ according to society. Culture has an important role in the behavior and activities of individual in society. A behavior of individuals is guided by the culture of that society. Culture develops with the development of society. We cannot understand society and culture separately from each other. According to Gilling and Gilling, culture is like cement that binds different individuals in society together.

E. Mutual awareness

As individuals, have their own goals, problem and views, awareness results from a need for adjustment in society. Moreover, co-operation, conflict and competition increase awareness. We find awareness each individual.

F. Society control

Every society has mechanisms for controlling social behaviour, activities and conflicts, society does not always remain in a state of balance. There are different deviations, conflicts, encroachments and exploitation. Society develops a system for managing them. Usually, society has informal mechanisms of control. Behaviour and activities are controlled by religion, values, morality and so on. In today's complex societies, formal mechanisms of control have been developed.