What Makes a Society?

We often say that our society is the best or we refer to ourselves as part of a society. But what makes a society?

Where did the word society came from?

The word society came from the French word societe in the early 15th century. On the other hand, the French word societe had its origin in the Latin word societas, which means “a friendly relationship with others” and from socius meaning “associate, partner, companion or friend.” The Latin word was taken from the Greek word socus locus, which means a social agreement between members of the whole public. This means that the members of the group have something in common that they share.

What exactly does society mean?

The direct meaning of a society means that it is a group of individuals who are characterized and share the same interests. They also have a distinguishing culture that can only be seen in that certain society. Examples of a society refer to a certain people, such as the Spanish, to a nation such as New Zealand or to a cultural group like the Southern society. A society may also be grouped depending on the same beliefs and values in religion, in their culture, in politics, and even in the sciences.

How does one differentiate a certain society from the next?

Some sociologists identify societies based on the level and standard of their economy, their communication and the technology they use.

The most basic in the agricultural level is the hunters and gatherers, which are seen as egalitarian. Next is the simple agricultural, advanced agricultural then the industrial. This system also has categories wherein there are the tribal societies where there are the social ranks and even prestige. Also, there are stratified structures that are being organized by the chieftains. Next are the civilizations which are more complex social hierarchies that have institutions and governments leading the people. Lastly, there is the humanity or sometimes called mankind, which contains all the elements of society and even the society’s values, interests and beliefs.

What are the characteristics of a society?

The elements of a society are the social networks, the individual patterns of the organization and the criteria for membership to be part of the society. Social networks are the records of the relationships of the people. These have features such as the type of relationship, how often the individuals contact each other and their proximity from one another. The individual patterns of the organization vary from one society to another. Some patterns may even be unique to a single society. The criteria for membership of the society also depends on the group, whether it is regarding their religious beliefs, common interest or values or whether they share the same goal.

Whatever society you belong to, remember that each one is uniquely grouped and each one is different from the other. One characteristic of a society may be offensive or even hard to believe but that is what makes each and every society special from the next one.