- 2074 Magh · 4 marks
Criteria of society
Short answer
Criteria of society include plurality, mutual awareness, social interaction, common territory, shared culture, interdependence, cooperation, social control, continuity, and common goals. A crowd at a bus stop lacks permanence, shared culture, and organisation, so it is not a society.
Explain criteria of society.
Criteria of society are the essential conditions or marks that distinguish a society from a mere crowd or a casual gathering of people. Sociologists (e.g. MacIver and Page) list the following.
- Group of people (plurality): two or more persons living together; one person is not a society.
- Mutual awareness: members recognise each other and know they belong together.
- Social interaction and relationships: continuous, regular interaction through cooperation, exchange and communication.
- Common territory: in most cases people live in a definite area, which gives stability.
- Likeness and shared culture: common language, norms, beliefs, customs and values hold members together.
- Interdependence and division of labour: members depend on each other for their needs; roles are shared.
- Cooperation (and conflict): working together for common aims, while conflict is regulated.
- Social control and order: accepted rules, laws, institutions and authority maintain discipline.
- Continuity / permanence: it continues across generations through reproduction and socialisation.
- Common goals or ends: shared aims for survival and development.
A crowd at a bus stop lacks permanence, shared culture and organisation, so it is not a society.
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