Characteristics of society, community elements

Characteristics of society

1. Group of people: society consists of many individuals, not one.
2. Mutual interaction and relationship: members depend on and influence each other; society is a "web of social relationships".
3. Likeness and difference: common culture and goals bind people, while differences (age, skill, role) create division of labour.
4. Cooperation and conflict: both exist; cooperation is the main basis.
5. Permanence: society continues beyond the lifetime of its members.
6. Dynamic and changing: norms, institutions and technology change over time.
7. Culture: shared language, customs, values and traditions.
8. Social control: laws, norms and customs regulate behaviour.
9. Abstract: it is a system of relations, not a physical thing.
10. Defined territory and organisation (usually) with roles and status.

Elements of community

A community is a group of people living in a specific area with a sense of belonging and common life. Its elements are:

• A group of people: a definite number of persons.
• Locality: a definite geographical area (village, ward, city).
• Community sentiment / "we-feeling": feeling of belonging and unity.
• Naturalness: it grows naturally, not by deliberate formation.
• Permanence: people live there for long.
• Common basic interests and life: members share most basic activities and needs.
• Wider ends and interdependence: it satisfies most of the needs of life (economic, social, cultural).