Society vs Culture
Many individuals often confuse the concepts of Society and Culture, using them interchangeably. However, there are differences between these two terms, which are frequently encountered in the writings of sociologists and used in daily life. Society refers to the group of people who live and interact with one another, while Culture is the way of life of these people, including norms, values, customs, traditions, and more. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two terms to better understand them.
What is Society?
Society refers to the population, civilization, or the group in which an individual lives and interacts. People residing in a country make up the society. For example, groups of people in the US, Japan, and India make up different societies. In every society, there are different cultural practices that differ from one society to another. A society consists of various social institutions, such as Family, Religion, Political, Economical, and Educational institutions. These institutions are influenced by one another and cannot work independently. The social order is sustained through the equilibrium of these social institutions.
What is Culture?
Culture refers to the behavioral traits that make up boundaries for socially acceptable behaviors in any society. It is the total of beliefs, values, and practices that are common in any population or society. Culture is often reflected in the traditional products, art, and music of any community or population. These are the manifestations of the beliefs, practices, and moral values of any society. Culture is a very broad term, and the example given above is only a tiny part of any culture. Culture has a historic perspective, and traditional beliefs and practices are handed down over generations. These practices are reflected in all manners and behaviors such as art, music, teaching, structures, religion, foods, sense of dressing, literature, poetry, etc. Society, on the other hand, has got to do with laws, government structures, constitutions, family, men women, labor, and, in general, all things social. Society is a more abstract concept than culture. This highlights not only the difference but also the connection that exists between society and culture. These should not be studied in isolation but viewed as interrelated factors.
Key Takeaways
- Society refers to the group of people who live and interact with one another, while Culture is the way of life of these people, including norms, values, customs, traditions, and more.
- Society consists of various social institutions, such as Family, Religion, Political, Economical, and Educational institutions, which are influenced by one another and cannot work independently.
- Culture is a broad term that encompasses beliefs, values, and practices handed down through generations and is reflected in all aspects of life, such as art, music, teaching, structures, religion, foods, sense of dressing, literature, poetry, etc.
