Key Difference – Society vs Civilization
Society and civilization are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Society refers to a collection of individuals living together under a shared set of traditions, laws, or orders. Civilization, on the other hand, is an advanced stage of human social development and organization.
Key Takeaways
- Society is a collection of individuals living together under one set of laws or orders, sharing traditions, values, and often geographical territory.
- Civilization is an advanced stage of human social development and organization, encompassing both society and culture.
- While society may consist of people belonging to different cultures, civilization is made up of both society and culture.
What Does Society Mean?
Society is defined as a group of individuals living together under one set of laws, traditions, or orders. Members of a society share the same geographical territory, are subject to the dominant cultural expectations, and the same political authority. A society is also characterized by social relations between individuals within the group.
What Does Civilization Mean?
The term “civilization” may have varying meanings and interpretations for different people. Generally, it can be described as an advanced stage of human social development and organization. It can also refer to the comfort and convenience of modern life, typically associated with towns and cities. In the past, Westerners used the word “civilization” to describe their way of life, in contrast to the different ways of life they encountered in the east.
What is the difference between Society and Civilization?
While both society and civilization involve groups of people living together, there are key differences between the two terms:
- Definition: Society is the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community, while civilization is the stage of human social development and organization which is considered most advanced.
- Culture: Society may consist of people belonging to different cultures, whereas civilization is made up of both society and culture.
