Social Interaction and the

Development of Societies
Intended Learning Outcome
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
●demonstrate understanding of how individuals form
societies and how individuals are transformed by
societies.
● evaluate the different forms of societies based on the
dynamic tension between individual identity and
collective identity.
● socialize with others as you simultaneously develop
your personal identity.
Material reproduction- refers to the
utilization and distribution of society’s
resources for the physical survival and
welfare of all individual members.
Symbolic reproduction- refers to the
transmission and renewal of cultural
knowledge, the establishment of
solidarity and cooperation andthe
formation of identities of person
through socialization.
 Development of society
▼
Material reproduction + symbolic reproduction
▼ ▼
Social System Lifeworld
(economy and politics) (culture,norms,personality)
▼ ▼ Instrumental and Strategic
communicative action
action
Historical development of societies and the
development of individual consciousness

Societies developed throug a gradual

demarcation of social systems from
lifeworld. We divide these stages as
follows: 1) the tribal and feudal
societies , and
2) modern industrialized societies.
1. Tribal and Feudal Society
 Tribal leaders and monarchs had control
over the social systems of economy and
politics. At the same time,they had control
over the symbolic reproduction of society.
 Individual members of tribal or feudal
society had little understanding of
individual rights.
 Their sense of worth was anchored on the
honor they would bring to the absolute
ruler of their society.
This kind of society can be described
according to the mechanistic
model of solidarity coined by Emil
Durkheim.
Society in this model of solidarity
held on the likeness of members, in
that they share the same values,
consciouness and spirit.
2. Modern Industrialized Societies
For Durkheim and Habermas, the
modernization of societies in history were
marked by a gradual differentiation of the
system from the lifeworld.
The development of trade (mercantilism)
and the emergence of a capitalist system of
economy are most illustrative here.
Markets gradually gained independence
from political control.
This kind of arrangement in modern
industrialized societies illustrate Durkheim’s
model of organic solidarity
Organic solidarity begins with a
recognition of the differences among
members with an awareness of their co-
dependence.
It counts on the harmonious functioning
of individuals in the society, without them
having to sacrifice their individual
identities.
Mechanical and Organic Solidarity:
Theprovince and the City
Those who grew up in rural
communities would say that the
model of society they livein still has
traces of feudalism.
People can easily define themselves
with a collective identity.
URBAN
The situation is significantly different in
urban communities that are more
industrialized rather than feudalistic.
Individuals are so concious of their
rights, so much that the meaning of trust
in society in this type refers to anything
backed by a legal guarantee.
What binds members of urban
communities together are mostly legal
arrangements.
APPLICATION:
1. Compare and contrast rural from urban
societies. What are the advantages of living
in urban societies? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of living in
rural communities? What are the
differences of social relationships between
those living in rural areas as opposed to
those in urban areas? Divide the class into
two for a class debate.
2. There have been may talks about the
inapplicability of the concept of “human
rights” in the Asian context. In 2016, this has
been used as basis for those arguing for
President Duterte’s condoning of extrajudicial
killings of suspected drug addicts in the
Philippines.Do you agree with their argument
that “human rights” is a concept that is only
applicable to developed nations with an
individualistics culture? Defend your answer.
3.Is it better to go back to the tribal
and feudalistic forms of society
where the sense of community is
stronger? Explain your answer.
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
1. Draw a table comparing mechanical
as opposed to organic solidarity, their
strenght and weaknesses. Give
examples for each strenght
andweaknesses.
2. Explain how individuals form
societies and how individuals
transformed by societies.
REFLECTION
Get to know yorself better. What type
of solidarity are you more comfortable
with? Why? Looking at the discussions
on the advantages and dis advantages of
mechanical and organic solidarity, are you
willing to live with the disadvantages of
the type of solidarity you would like to be
in? Why?