Society Community Association Institution
Meaning It is a web of social It consists of specific group Association is artificial and Institution has a set of rules
relationship. of individuals living in a deliberately formed for a and procedures.
particular area with the particular purpose.
“we feeling”.
Abstract/concrete It is an abstract concept. It is concrete. Or both. It is abstract. It is abstract.
Nature Society is a natural and Community is organic, Association is mechanical, Institution is societal
spontaneously created spontaneous and creative. artificial and held together structure meant to fulfil
social group. by ties. some specific needs.
Aim Aim of society is general in Community is regarded as a An association is regarded Institution fulfils all the
nature. It exists for the whole because it fulfils all as partial because it is primary and basic needs of
general wellbeing of the the needs of its members. formed for the and individuals
individual. achievement of specific
purposes.
Size A society has many There are a number of Association is an It is born in a community. It is
communities and deals associations within a organization within a based on cultural symbols. It
with a wider concept. Most community. community. has no form and as such
societies comprise of mul- cannot be seen.
tiple communities, varying
in size, physical
appearance, organization.
Membership Man cannot live in the Community membership is Membership is voluntary. Membership in a social
absence of a society. compulsory and has a They can withdraw their institution isn't about
Society will exist as long as wider significance. People membership when they belonging to a physical
man exists. Membership of are born in a community. lose interest in it. People organization, but rather
a society is compulsory. choose their association. about internalizing its shared
values, norms, and patterns
of behaviour through a
process of socialization.
features In society members have Community sentiment is an Community sentiment is Institutions are relatively
policy, public opinion, essential feature without not a basic factor to form more permanent.
contractual solidarity and which existence of a an association.
individual will. In a society community cannot be
common interest and imagined.
objective are not necessary.
Rules Society work through It works through customs It works through written Rules of an intuition are
customs, traditions and and traditions. Office is not code of conduct. Office based on informal means of
unwritten laws. necessary to constitute a bearers manage its affairs. social control such as
community. customs, tradition etc.
Example Hunter-gatherer Neighbourhood, village and Trade union, student union, Family, Marriage.
Agriculture city. Political party.
Industrial
