Describe the two ideal types of societies based on the structure of social relationships and the degree of shared values among societal members that German sociologist Ferdinand Tonnies distinguished.
He called these two types of societies Gemeinschaft, the German word meaning “community,” and Gesellschaft, the German word meaning “society.” Gemeinschaft refers to societies in which most members know one another. Relationships in such societies are close, and activities center on the family and the community. In a Gemeinschaft, people share a strong sense of group solidarity. A preindustrial society or a rural village in a more complex society are examples of a Gemeinschaft. In a Gesellschaft most social relationships are based on need rather than on emotion. Thus, relationships in a Gesellschaft are impersonal and often temporary. Traditional values are generally weak in such societies, and individual goals are more important than group goals. A modern urban society such as the United States is a example of a Gesellschaft.
Pastoral societies are closely linked with postindustrial societies.
Into what three broad categories do sociologists place societies?
preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial
What is urbanization?
Urbanization is the concentration of the population in cities.
What is a pastoral society?
Pastoralism is a slightly more efficient form of subsistence. Rather than searching for food on a daily basis, members of a pastoral society rely on domesticated herd animals to meet their food needs. Pastoralists live a nomadic life, moving their herds from pasture to pasture. Because their food supply is far more reliable, pastoral societies can support larger populations.
What is the difference between a horticultural society and an agricultural society?
A horticultural society’s source of food is through fruits & vegetables. An agricultural society uses animals to accelerate food production as well as barter for goods and services.
Describe hunting and gathering societies.
In a preindustrial society, food production is the main economic activity. Preindustrial societies can be subdivided according to their level of technology and their method of producing food. Hunting and gathering is one of the subdivisions of the preindustrial society. The main form of food production in hunting and gathering societies is the daily collection of wild plants and the hunting of wild animals. Hunter-gatherers move around constantly in search of food. As a result, they do not build permanent villages or create a wide variety of artifacts. The need for mobility also limits the size of hunting and gathering societies. Such societies generally consist of fewer than 60 people and rarely exceed 100 people. Statuses within the group are relatively equal, and decisions are reached through general agreement. The family forms the main social unit, with most societal members being related by birth or by marriage. This type of organization requires the family to carry out most social functions--including production and education.
Did you find these answers helpful?