Lit 02 chapter 2
- 1. CHAPTER 2: The Society Rationale; Chapter 2 will enable you to learn the definition of a society, the different elements of society, discuss some prevalent societal challenges, and learn the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Learning Objectives At the end of Chapter 2, the learner should: a. demonstrate familiarity in identifying and explaining the elements of society, b. discuss some of society’ s prevalent challenges and be able to situate these on our current environment, and c. explain the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the Philippine context. Who what is a Society? Merriam-Webster (n.d.) defines society as: 1. companionshiporassociationwithone'sfellows 2. a voluntary association of individuals for common ends especially an organizedgroup working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession 3. an enduring and cooperating social group whose members have developed organizedpatterns of relationships through interaction with one another 4. a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common
- 2. traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests 5. a part of a community that is a unit distinguishable by particular aims or standards of living or conduct as in a social circle or a group of social circles having a clearly marked identity Based on the definition given, a society is made up of individuals with common goals who are working together, and shares similarities in life goals and purposes, norms and belief systems. They interact with each other and form relationships that build their personal network and community. The Basic Elements of Society Man is a social being. This means that we need one another for us to survive. The place where we live and interact in is what makes up society. Human society in comparison with other societies, is unique in several respects (Mondal, n.d.). In order to interpret society in a wider sense, it is necessary to examine the basic elements or characteristics which constitute society. Mondal (n.d.) shares the Six Basic Elements or Characteristics which constitute a society: 1. Likeness Likeness of members in a social group is the primary basis of their mutuality. May be in the beginning assumed as real common lineage, tribal affinity, or family benefit. Likeness is the similarities of members and manifestations within the society. Maclver points out, “Comradeship, intimacy, association of any kind or degree would be impossible without some understanding of each by the other, and that understanding depends on the likeness which each apprehends in the other. ‘Likeness is the one element which must have strongly stimulated the group feelings in bringing men, women and children together. Likeness is the link-up for mutuality. 2. ReciprocalAwareness Likeness is generativeof reciprocity. Once some are awareof the mutual likeness, they, certainly differentiate against those who are not like them. The problem of likes and dislikes was
- 3. concomitant to the social growth. Consciousness of this kind alone could make sense of likeness. All social action is based on reciprocal response. This alone, makes possible, the we-feeling. 3. Differences Sense of likeness in not always sufficient. It alone is not adequate for social organization. This does not exclude diversity or variation: o Thesocialstructureofhumanityisbasedonthefamilywhichrestsupon the biological differences between the sexes; men and women. o The economic structure of society is based upon division of labor in which the professions and economic activities of people are different or dissimilar. o The culture of society prospers with the differences in thoughts, ideals, viewpoints, expressions, and even values. No two individuals arealike in their nature. People differ from each other in respect of their interests, capacities, abilities and tendencies etc. These differences however, do not imply mutual conflict; instead; by it the organizationof society is further strengthened. But please understand that a 100% organized society is not possible. It is a myth. Society to run smoothly, theremust be some differences. If people were exactly alike their social relationship would be very much limited. There would be little reciprocity (little give and take). They would contribute very little to one another. A society based exclusively on likeness or uniformity is bound to lose in socialites. Life would be boring, monotonous, prosaic and uninteresting if differences arenot present. We cannot imagine a society in which all people areadults or all old or all young. 4. Interdependence Society implies interdependence. It is another essential element to constitute society. It is not possible for human being to satisfy his desire in isolation.
- 4. We cannot live alone. We need the help of others for survival. Society fulfills all our needs. For example, the institution of family rests on the biological interdependence of sexes. None of the two sexes is complete by itself and, therefore, each seeks fulfillment by the aid of the other. This fact of interdependence is very much visible in the present. Today not only countries but also continents depend upon one another. Likewise, communities, social groups and nations arealso interdependent. 5. Cooperation Cooperation is also another essential element to constitute society. Without cooperation, no society can exist. If the members of the society do not work together for the common purposes, they cannot lead a happy and comfortable life. Cooperation avoids mutual destructiveness and results in economy. In the words of P. Gisbert, “Cooperation is the most elementary process of social life without which society is impossible.” It is the very basis of social life. C.H. Cooley has rightly remarked, “Cooperation-arises when men realizethat they have common interests. So great is the realizationof the necessity of cooperation on the part of every society. Kropotkin says, it is difficult to survive without cooperation. 6. Conflict Conflict is an ever present phenomenon present in every human society. Not only cooperation but also conflict is necessary for the formation of society. They must coexist in a healthy society. Conflict is a process of struggle through which all things have come into existence. GeorgeSimmel maintained that a conflict free harmonious society is practically an impossibility. There is no denying the fact that society requires for its formation and growthboth harmony and disharmony, cooperation and conflict.
- 5. If you can observe, there arecontrasting ideas presented in the six elements of society. Likeness and Differences Cooperation and Conflict A society needs a balanced amount of likeness and difference for it to survive. There is no all-alike society as it is impossible for all people to think, act, and behave the same. Likewise, cooperation and conflict are also needed for us to function in society. This is where check and balance and critiques come into play. We need to be able to practicecritical thinking in our dealings in society. Dana Karmella H. Tamayo (Instructor)