This lesson introduces the sociological meaning of society and explains how technology and ways of meeting basic needs shape preindustrial societies.
In sociology, a society is a group of people who live in a definable community and share cultural components. These components include shared beliefs, ideas, practices, institutions, and often political authority. Society is therefore more than a collection of individuals: it includes the relationships and institutions that organize their common life.
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What does society mean in sociology?
A society is a group of people who live in a definable community and share cultural components. It also includes the institutions and shared beliefs that organize their common life, and often a political authority.
How did Lenski help sociologists compare societies?
Gerhard Lenski Jr. emphasized technological sophistication. Sociologists use the level of technology and industrialization to compare broad types of societies and the ways people organize work and resources.
What is the defining feature of a hunter-gatherer society?
People obtain food by hunting wild animals and gathering uncultivated plants. Since they depend on local resources, groups commonly move when those resources become scarce.
How do pastoral and horticultural societies differ?
Pastoral societies rely primarily on domesticated animals and often move with herds to find grazing. Horticultural societies cultivate plants and can establish permanent settlements when growing conditions are stable.
What characterized feudal society?
Feudal society organized power through a land-based hierarchy. Lords granted fiefdoms to vassals in return for service, while peasants cultivated the land and received housing and protection.
Quiz questions
What is a society in sociological terms?Answer: A community whose members share cultural components and institutions.
Which factor did Gerhard Lenski Jr. emphasize when comparing societies?Answer: Their level of technological sophistication.
Why might pastoral groups move from place to place?Answer: Their herds need access to fresh grazing.
In a feudal arrangement, what did vassals generally provide in return for land from lords?Answer: Service, often including military support.
What most distinguishes a postindustrial society's economy?Answer: A strong emphasis on services and information.
Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.