What is Society?

Society is a term used in everyday life with a particular meaning. A layman often defines society as an aggregation or collection of individuals. But in sociology, the term is used in a different sense. It is not just a congregation of collectivity of several individuals. It refers to the sum total of relationships existing between them. In terms of common sense, society is understood as a tangible object, where as in sociology it refers to an intangible entity. It is a mental construct, which we realize in every day life but can not see it.

In their book on ''Society'', Mac Iver and Page define: ''Society is a system of usages and procedures of authority and mutual aid, of many groupings and divisions, of controlling of human behavior and of liberties. This ever-changing, complex system we call society. It is the web of social relationships. Ant it is always changing''

This definition reflects that society is a network of social relationships. An individual is related to other through the ties of kinship, marriage, neighborhood, caste, occupation, religions, political parties, and peers (friends groups). Thus, an individual becomes part and parcel of several layer groups through these different multiple relationships. These relationships do not occur at random. Rather these are patterned. Therefore, sociologists define society as the pattern of social relationships formed through interaction of its members. 

Attributes of Society

The collectivity of individual created society over a period of time. Sociologists have identified certain attributes of society. They are:

1. Likeness and differentiation

2. Inter-dependence;

3. Co-operation and conflict;and

1. In the first place, there should be an aggregate of individuals who share the sense of likeness. No society can come into existence unless its members feel that they are like one another. Members of the family and kin group, persons belonging to the same village or small town and members of the same caste generally have this feeling of likeness. However, the first likeness is that of physiognomy. Man along with other animals can not make a human society. 

However, we can not say that society is not marked by differentiation. The members of a society differ from one another in terms of caste, class, occupation and education, etc. Even within the family, members differ from one another in terms of gender, age, personality, outlook and personal preferences. However, these differences complement each other in such a way that family stability is maintained. Similar principle is also applicable to wider society where the differences are subordinated to likeness, which is quite essential for maintaining social harmony. 

2. Inter-dependence is another attribute of society. The members of a society depend on one another for its smooth functioning. In a traditional village or your neighbourhood, members of different caste groups depend on each other in every day life. For example, washerman, carpenter, cobbler, ironsmith, bus conductor, Brahmin, sweeper are seen to be doing their own tasks yet depending upon each other. No individual can perform all functions on one's own. Therefore, individuals depend on each other to live smoothly in society. 

3. Co-operation is another essential attribute of society. No society can come into existence or continue to persist unless the members co-operate with each other. Co-operation is obtained at every level of society such as inter-personal relationship like

1) between husband and wife and other family members;

2) between neighbours; and

3) at the level of wider society. 

4. As you know that unless you co-operate with your brother and sister, you can not have your way in family matters. One the other hand, you also known that relationships also have an element of conflict. For example, you and your brother might like the shirt your parents have recently bought. You and your brother both argue to get it. However, your parents soon resolve the conflict. In the same way, co-operation and conflict Mark relationships in society. Conflict as an essential attribute (featured) of society can also be explained in a wider sense. Groups can enter into conflicting relations if their interests are opposed to each other. The conflict between landlords and landless can be observed in this context. However, no doubt, co-operation is more important in all respects.