MARJORIE KATE L.

ESQUIVEL SOCIO 240

MA Sociology Sociology of the Family

Learning Activity I

What is Society?

A society is a kind of collective entity, as is a nation, a state, an organization, and a

family (Copp, 1992). In this view, it can be claimed that a society is indeed a collective group
since it contains the basic institutions that are crucial in molding an individual. Furthermore,
Kumar (2017) explained the term society as somewhat conceived of as a human group which is
relatively large, relatively independent or self-perpetuating in demographic terms, and which is
relatively autonomous in its organization of social relations. Drawing to this definition, society
allows interaction and gives people the avenue for self-expression and learning which are
significant in their individual development.

Major Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Symbolic interaction is a process explains the very concept of reciprocal connotation and
values by aid of the symbols in the mind of an individual or a collective group where meanings
constitute of reciprocal interaction between persons. In addition, this perspective allows people
to have their own interpretation of action which are based on symbols and possessions (Aksan
et.al., 2009).

In this view, it is clear that the symbolic interactionist perspective does emphasize the
view of social behavior as people interact with signs and symbols and how do they make sense
of their interaction with them. In addition to that, it evidently studies how people view society, as
a whole, in reference to the meaning-making process out of the symbols they are exposed with.
Functionalist Perspective

This perspective clearly explain that society is a system of interconnected parts that work
together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium. It also emphasizes the
interconnectedness of society by focusing on how each part influences and is influenced by other
parts (Mooney et.al., 2007).

For that matter, it is obvious that each social institution serves their very performative
function which allows interaction and justification of action. For example, a family, as one of the
basic units of society, is responsible for reproduction and nurturing of children for them to be
responsible citizens. Basically, every single unit or element of society are expected to perform
their pre-determined duties in order to achieve state balance.

Conflict Perspective

This sociological perspective seeks to scientifically explain the general contours of

conflict in society: how conflict starts and varies, and the effects it brings. The central concerns
of conflict theory are the unequal distribution of scarce resources and power (Allan, 2006).

Basically, the concept of conflict perspective is to identify how matters like injustices and
inequality become the root of all conflict, especially in a society of classes. Generally, a society
is composed of marginalized where only few are considered elites or the bourgeoisie who are
most likely to cause oppression among the poor or the working class.
Types of Society (Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/types-of-societies/)

1. Hunting and Gathering constitutes the oldest collective human mode of making a living and
the sole concept for which there is an uninterrupted record of human origins.

2. Pastoral Societies is a concept by which the way of life is based on pastoralism and is
typically nomadic.

3. Horticultural Societies is an organization which is devoted to studying the culture of

cultivated plants. This group can be labelled as local, regional, national or international
depending on the scope or focus.

4. Agricultural Societies focuses on a community whose economy revolves around the

production and maintenance of crops and farmland.

5. Feudal Societies follows a strict hierarchical system of power based around land ownership
and protection, where power is exclusively running through family lines, with peasant families
serving lords for generations and generations.

6. Industrial Societies are centered in using technology as a prerequisite for mass production
which also enables an efficient way of labor.

7. Information Societies are centered in the production of information and services that allows a
more effective mode of transactions due to digital concepts.

Major Functions of the Society (Retrieved from https://article1000.com/various-functions-society/)

 Every society should have a shared set of goals 

 System of Member Replacement
 Man is not born with an inbuilt knowledge of coping with the many different situations
that he encounters in life
 Provision of adequate means of communication
 Satisfaction of Physical needs
 Socialization function is another important function of society
  Human societies function on the basis of specialized work patterns
 Production function
 Provision of effective social control is another function of society
 Production system is associated with the distribution of material goods

References

Aksan, N., Kısac, B., & Aydın, M. & Demirbuken, S. (2009). Symbolic interaction theory.
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 4. 10.1016/j.sbspro.2009.01.160.
Allan. (2006). Conflict and Critical Theories. Retrieved from
https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/13636_Chapter7.pdf
Copp, D. (1992). The Concept of a Society. Dialogue. 31. 183 - 212.
10.1017/S0012217300038518.
Kumar, K. A. (2017). Concept of Society and Culture. Retrieved from
http://mentors4ias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Concept-Of-Society-And-Culture-
Mentors4IAS.pdf
Mooney, Knox & Schacht. (2007). Understanding Social Problems, 5th edition. Retrieved from
https://laulima.hawaii.edu/access/content/user/kfrench/sociology/The%20Three%20Main
%20Sociological%20Perspectives.pdf