Society, State-Society Relations

The word ‘society’ comes from the Latin word ‘Socius’ which means a companion, organization or association. Society refers to a union where people live in a community or society and does not exist in loneliness. Society is used in the sense of a cluster too – for e.g. Rural society or urban society.

In order for society to exist, there has to be a population. Without people society cannot be shaped as society is based on a system of relationships. Society is intangible (cannot be touched) in nature.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘Society is formed by a large group of people who live together in an organized way, making decisions about how to do things, and sharing the work that needs to be done. All the people in a country, or in several similar countries, can be referred to a society’.

Characteristics of Society

Society is dynamic – Old customs, traditions, values and institutions get transformed and new customs and values take their place.

Likeness – Similarities are common. If there is not mutual recognition of belonging together, there can be no society.

Cooperation and conflict – Cooperation is essential for the formation and smooth functioning of society. Without cooperation there will be chaos and thus no society. Conflict works as a cementing factor to reinforce social relations and is necessary in a society.

Wide-ranging culture – culture is a way of life for members of a society and includes, values, beliefs, art, morals, etc.

Differences – while there are similarities, differences also enhance the social life of the people. E.g. division of labor

Inter-dependence – the survival and well-being of each member depends on the well-being of the other members of society. Man depends on his society for food, shelter, security and other needs.

Thus, society is a network of social relationships.

State-Society Relations

Department for International Development (London) defines state-society relations as ‘interactions between state institutions and societal groups to negotiate how public authority is exercised and how it can be influenced by people. They are focused on issues such as defining the mutual rights and obligations of state and society, negotiation how public resources should be allocated and establishing different modes of representation and accountability’.

Citizenship allows citizens benefits like the right to vote, to hold office, to participate in political processes, to access education, health and other benefits, to own businesses, land, security and freedom on movement.

Thus, state refers to the political dominion of legitimate compulsion (coercive) and society refers to the dominion of voluntary interaction.