Ch. 3 Section 3Types of Societies

Types of Societies

• Sociologists classify societies according to their subsistence strategies, or the ways societies use technology to meet the needs of their members.

• Sociologists recognize three broad categories of society—preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial.

Preindustrial SocietyHunter-Gatherer, Pastoral/Horticultural, Agrarian

Societies where FOOD PRODUCITON is the basis for social and cultural functions—food, traditions, roles, technology, etc.

Because they often share the same values and perform the same tasks, they are held together by

mechanical solidarity—unity based on values

Industrial SocietySociety where the emphasis shifts from the production of food to the PRODUCTION OF GOODS

Specialization, division of labor, etc. resulting from the Industrial Revolution led to organic solidarity—unity based on survival, not based on values

Postindustrial Society

Society based on information and services, not food production or manufacturing

Positives: Increased standard of living, technological advances, self-fulfillment and individual rights become more important

Negatives: Loss of skills from pre- and industrial societies can lead to struggles for resources & survival

Gemeindschaft and Gesellschaft

Gemeindschaft- “Community” -Tight-knit, people know their neighbors

-Sense of belonging and solidarity

-Examples: Religious communities, neighborhoods, teams, clubs, organizations

Gesellschaft- “Society” -Less close, more impersonal and temporary -Based on need, not relationships

-Examples: economies, business arrangements, cities, nations, alliances

Ch. 3 Section 4

Social Grouping

Groups within Society

Groups can defined and identified by:• SIZE• LENGTH OF TIME• ORGANIZATION

GROUPS BY SIZE

Diad- Smallest group possible, consisting of 2 members. The group dissolves when one member leaves.

EXAMPLES— Romantic couples (husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc)

Partnerships (crime-fighting duos, musical/business partners, etc.

GROUPS BY SIZE

Triad- Consisting of 3 members, thus no one member can dissolve the group (two-against-one alliance will form).

EXAMPLES— Families (husband/wife/child)

Trios (musical/business partners, etc.)

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/social-groups-dyad-and-triad-in-groups-and-out-groups.html

GROUPS BY ORGANIZATION

Formal groups—have set purpose, goal, structure, etc.

Informal groups—do not necessarily have these characteristics, less structured.

Primary groups—smaller groups which one identifies closest with for long periods of time

Examples: family, teams (sometimes)

Secondary groups—groups that tend to be less important and often temporary.

Examples: classes, sororities/fraternities, teams (often)

GROUPS BY ORGANIZATION

Reference groups—the groups with which a person most closely identifies.

The values, mores, beliefs, etc. of this group influence their attitudes and behavior greatest.

In-groups—the groups you are a part of.

Out-groups—the groups you are not a part of.

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/types-of-social-groups-primary-secondary-and-reference-groups.html