the society

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)