Lesson 2
Society
According to sociologists, a society is a group of people with common territory, interaction,
and culture. The term "society" came from the Latin word societas, which in turn was
derived from the noun socius, which means comrade, friends, and ally.
Why is society important?
One of the primary purposes of society is the formation of an organized group of individuals
who can support each other in various ways. It is in the difficult times that you realize the
importance of being a part of society. It is the members of your social group who come
forward to give you the help needed. The support given by society can be of the physical,
emotional, financial, or medical form.
Types of Societies
Although humans have established many types of societies throughout history, sociologists
and anthropologists usually refer to six basic types of societies, each defined by its level of
technology.
1. Hunting and gathering societies
Hunting and gathering societies are the earliest form of society. The members survive
primarily by hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering edible plants. A majority of the
members' time is spent looking for and gathering food. Hunting and gathering societies
are nomadic, which means that they move constantly in order to find food and water.
A society that survives by hunting animals and gathering edible plants.
Nomadic (constantly moving), Cooperative, No private ownership, labor based on
sex and age
2. Horticultural societies
Horticultural societies emerged between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago in Latin America,
Asia, and parts of the Middle East. These societies rely on the cultivation of fruits,
vegetables, and plants in order to survive. Horticultural societies are often forced to
relocate when the resources of the land are depleted or when the water supplies decrease.
A society that survives primarily through the growing of plants
Led to permanent settlements
Group Survival is key!
3. Pastoral societies
Pastoral societies began around 12,000 years ago. These societies rely on products
obtained through the domestication and breeding of animals for transportation and food.
Pastoral societies are common in areas where crops cannot be supported, for example in
North Africa. Unlike hunting and gathering societies, pastoral societies only have to
move when the land in which the animals graze is no longer usable.
A Society in which food is obtained primarily by raising and taking care of
animals
4. Agricultural societies
Agricultural societies use technological advances to cultivate crops (especially grains like
wheat, rice, corn, and barley) over a large area. Sociologists use the phrase Agricultural
Revolution to refer to the technological changes that occurred as long as 8,500 years ago
that led to cultivating crops and raising farm animals. Increases in food supplies then led
to larger populations than in earlier communities. This meant a greater surplus, which
resulted in towns that became centers of trade supporting various rulers, educators,
craftspeople, merchants, and religious leaders who did not have to worry about locating
nourishment.
A Society that uses plows (araro) and draft animals in growing food
Government will replace the role of family
Distinct social classes appear
5. Industrial societies
Industrial societies are based on using machines (particularly fuel‐driven ones) to
produce goods. Sociologists refer to the period during the 18th century when the
production of goods in mechanized factories began as the Industrial Revolution.
A Society that depends on science and technology to produce it basic goods and
services
Creation of Mechanization (using machines)
Beginnings of Urbanization (farm to city life)
6. Postindustrial societies
Sociologists note that with the advent of the computer microchip, the world is witnessing
a technological revolution. This revolution is creating a postindustrial society based on
information, knowledge, and the selling of services. That is, rather than being driven by
the factory production of goods, society is being shaped by the human mind, aided by
computer technology. Although factories will always exist, the key to wealth and power
seems to lie in the ability to generate, store, manipulate, and sell information.
Society in which the economic emphasis is on providing services and information
