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.

Answer:

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.