1. SOCIETY
Aristotle, man is a social animal.‟ Society is nothing but a
web of social relationships”.
Hence it is observed that by nature as well as by necessity
man is a social animal.
Hence the relationships between man and man have multi
dimensions. These relationships cover not only political
relationships but social, religious relationships also.
Nature of Society:- Society is a much broader concept
compared to State and government. However a bunch of
people does not become society. Similarly a crowd is also not
a society.
2. In fact, Today society is a big complex of all
types of associations and communities.” It has
become essential to human existence as through
society only, a man can fulfill his needs and
dreams.
Similarly in a society there are rules, regulations,
initiations which regulate the relationships
between people.
3. Association :- It has been defined as an organization of people
operating with some fixed rules and has been formed for some
specific purpose. These rules are normally written but in rare cases,
they could be unwritten. If we compare an “association” with a mob it
will become clear that “mob” has no common specific purpose and has
no organization.
The comparison between mob and association bring forth four elements
of an association
1. group of people
2. Definite rules and regulations
3. Specific purpose.
4. Co-operation among the members.
In today’s society one can find all kinds of associations such as social,
economic, cultural, sports, political.
4. All these associations are created by people and for the
people etc. But we must keep in mind that “State” is the
supreme association, which can be called association of
associations.
While other associations are man made, State is regarded as
the natural outcome of man’s nature.
Community :-
Community covers a whole area of social life. It could be a
village, city, Province or a country. Hence the focus is on
discussion of common life being lived by people. Hence
people relate to each other freely.
5. This discussion brings to surface two essential elements of
community.
1] Locality area– Community covers a specified territory. e. g.,
village, town state. Normally a good community would be settled on
a particular piece of land. This habitation on land creates strong
emotional bonds towards the land.
2] Common Social Characteristics :- Whether it is a village
community or town community, one can identify some common
social characteristics. Like social customs, religious festivals, etc.
These create a sense of belonging, oneship among the members.
Quite often we see “community” is being used to communicate a
group of people of a particular faith. For example, Sikh Community,
Jewish Community. But Such use is regarded as “unscientific”.
6. Institution
It is nothing but well established and recognized forms of
relationship between social beings. In the case of “institutions”,
what is important is recognized form of relationship. But in case
of association and communities they deal with body of people.
In other word, society is a huge complex of many kinds of
associations, groups, communities and institutions.
Historically, we find that for thinkers like plato, Aristotle, there was
no distinction between state and society. Since the city states of
Greek era, were small in size and number, there was no distinction
between state and society. Similarly we can also quote Hegel, a
German Philosopher who had projected the idea of “State-society”.
In modern times however, we believe that state and society are two
different bodies
7. This distinction can be understood through their comprehensive
definitions “State is a community of people, more or less
numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of
territory, independent or nearly independent of external
control, having an organized government which is obeyed
by maximum people”.
As discussed earlier, analysis of this definition brings four
element
1] Population 2] Territory 3] Government 4] Sovereignty.
Similarly we must also discuss definition of “Society”. It is the
whole community of mankind, just as much as a small
social group or a village‟.
8. There is always a web of relationship covering not only
political relationships but also social, relations, economic
relationships etc.
While discussing State and Society it is essential to understand
which come first? Society or State? Scholars believe that society
come first. Much before state became a reality, there existed
some kind of social organizations.
In the earliest phase of humanity, there were hunters, fishermen,
fruit gatherers who had some social groups. There was no State
then. State evolved over a period of time. Even today, we have
Eskimos who have no semblance of State. In other words, out of
Society comes State.
9. It is not just the issue of who come first state or society, it is also
the issue of scope of the two. It is clear that the scope of society is
much larger than the State.
In case of State it is just a system created for enforcing discipline,
law and order, tax collection, ensuring internal and external
security.
But society covers lot of ground. In a society various kinds of
associations exists. These care social, cultural, economic, religious,
sports and entertainment associations.
We can sum up by saying State is single purpose body whereas
society is multi - purpose body. Also in terms of structure, society
encompasses state.
10. Similarly we should also understand one more aspect
about state and society.
State is allowed to use coercion, force to implement its
orders, programmers, schemes, etc.
But society cannot use force. It uses persuasion, forces of
tradition.
In rare case, it can use “social boycott”. But more often
than not, it believes in persuasion.
11. In addition to above differences, one must conclude by
highlighting one more difference.
It is about territory. A State must have well defined territory, where
as society can be borderless. For example, the Red cross society
have branches all over the world.
While discussing the difference between state and society, one
must also take into account the agency of government.
As noted before, government is a constituent element of state,
whereas government has no role in the formation and functioning
of the society. Historically society came first and then came
`government.
12. CIVIL SOCIETY
Civil Society is the arena outside of the family, the state and
the market where people associate to advance common
interests.
According to the Dictionary meaning, Civil Society as the
aggregate of non-government organizations and institutions
that manifest interests and will of citizens.
Civil Society are vital for democracy. It facilitates better
awareness and a more informed citizenry, who make better
voting choices, participate in politics and hold government
more accountable.
