Discussion 3

In this discussion , it will enable you to learn the definition of a society, the different elements of society,
discuss some prevalent societal challenges, and learn the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Learning Objectives
At the end of the discussion , the learner should:

a. demonstrate familiarity in identifying and explaining the elements of society,

b. discuss some of society’s prevalent challenges and be able to situate these on our current
environment, and
c. explain the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the Philippine context.

General Objective
The learner should be able to explain how societies exist and offer insights on society problems we have
today.

Society

Merriam-Webster (n.d.) defines society as:

1. companionship or association with one's fellows

2. a voluntary association of individuals for common ends especially an organized group working
together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession
3. an enduring and cooperating social group whose members have developed organized patterns of
relationships through interaction with one another
4. a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common traditions, institutions, and
collective activities and interests
5. a part of a community that is a unit distinguishable by particular aims or standards of living or
conduct as in a social circle or a group of social circles having a clearly marked identity
 Based on the definition given, a society is made up of individuals with common goals who are
working together, and shares similarities in life goals and purposes, norms and
belief systems.

They interact with each other and form relationships that build their personal
network and community.

The Basic Elements of Society

Man is a social being. This means that we need one another for us to survive. The place where we live and
interact in is what makes up society. Human society in comparison with other societies, is unique in several
respects (Mondal, n.d.).

In order to interpret society in a wider sense, it is necessary to examine the basic elements or
characteristics which constitute society. Mondal (n.d.) shares the Six Basic Elements or Characteristics
which constitute a society:

1. Likeness

Likeness of members in a social group is the primary basis of their mutuality. May be in the beginning
assumed as real common lineage, tribal affinity, or family benefit. Likeness is the similarities of
members and manifestations within the society.

Maclver points out, “Comradeship, intimacy, association of any kind or degree would be impossible
without some understanding of each by the other, and that understanding depends on the likeness
which each apprehends in the other. ‘Likeness is the one element which must have strongly
stimulated the group feelings in bringing men, women and children together. Likeness is the link-up
for mutuality.

2. Reciprocal Awareness

Likeness is generative of reciprocity. Once some are aware of the mutual likeness, they, certainly
differentiate against those who are not like them. The problem of likes and dislikes was concomitant
to the social growth. Consciousness of this kind alone could make sense of likeness. All social action
is based on reciprocal response. This alone, makes possible, the we-feeling.

3. Differences
Sense of likeness in not always sufficient. It alone is not adequate for social organization. This does
not exclude diversity or variation: o The social structure of humanity is based on the family which
rests upon the biological differences between the sexes; men and women.

o The economic structure of society is based upon division of labor in which the professions and
economic activities of people are different or dissimilar.
o The culture of society prospers with the differences in thoughts, ideals, viewpoints,
expressions, and even values.

No two individuals are alike in their nature.

People differ from each other in respect of their interests, capacities, abilities and tendencies etc.
These differences however, do not imply mutual conflict; instead; by it the organization of society is
further strengthened. But please understand that a 100% organized society is not possible. It is a
myth. Society to run smoothly, there must be some differences. If people were exactly alike their
social relationship would be very much limited. There would be little reciprocity (little give and take).
They would contribute very little to one another.

A society based exclusively on likeness or uniformity is bound to lose in socialites. Life would be
boring, monotonous, prosaic and uninteresting if differences are not present. We cannot imagine a
society in which all people are adults or all old or all young.

4. Interdependence

Society implies interdependence. It is another essential element to constitute society. It is not

possible for human being to satisfy his desire in isolation.

We cannot live alone. We need the help of others for survival. Society fulfills all our needs. For
example, the institution of family rests on the biological interdependence of sexes. None of the two
sexes is complete by itself and, therefore, each seeks fulfillment by the aid of the other. This fact of
interdependence is very much visible in the present. Today not only countries but also continents
depend upon one another. Likewise, communities, social groups and nations are also interdependent.

5. Cooperation

Cooperation is also another essential element to constitute society. Without cooperation, no society
can exist. If the members of the society do not work together for the common purposes, they cannot
lead a happy and comfortable life.

Cooperation avoids mutual destructiveness and results in economy. In the words of P. Gisbert,
“Cooperation is the most elementary process of social life without which society is impossible.”
It is the very basis of social life. C.H. Cooley has rightly remarked, “Cooperation-arises when men
realize that they have common interests. So great is the realization of the necessity of cooperation on
the part of every society. Kropotkin says, it is difficult to survive without cooperation.

6. Conflict

Conflict is an ever present phenomenon present in every human society. Not only cooperation but
also conflict is necessary for the formation of society. They must coexist in a healthy society. Conflict
is a process of struggle through which all things have come into existence.

George Simmel maintained that a conflict free harmonious society is practically an impossibility. There
is no denying the fact that society requires for its formation and growth both harmony and
disharmony, cooperation and conflict.

If you can observe, there are contrasting ideas presented in the six elements of
society.

Likeness and Differences

Cooperation and Conflict