2.2.1.2. Community and Society or Association

The term ‘community’ refers to human relationships that are highly personal, intimate and enduring, those where a person’s involvement is considerable if not total, as in the family, with real friends or a close-knit group.

This chunk defines 'community' in a sociological context. It describes a community as a set of relationships that are intimate and long-lasting. For example, in a close family unit or among good friends, individuals share a deep bond and often face life's challenges together, relying on each other's support. This is starkly different from the relationships found in larger, more transient social structures.

Think of a tight-knit family where everyone knows each other's birthdays and attends gatherings together. They share personal experiences and are there for each other during tough times, illustrating the intimate nature of community relationships.

‘Society’ or ‘association’ refers to everything opposite of ‘community’, in particular the apparently impersonal, superficial, and transitory relationships of modern urban life.

This chunk contrasts 'society' with 'community.' Society describes the broader networks of interactions that are often more formal and involve less emotional connection. In an urban setting, relationships may be surface-level, such as acquaintances at the workplace or in a commercial context, where individuals interact to achieve specific goals rather than to fulfill personal connections.

Consider a busy city where people commutes to work. A person might interact with a shop assistant or a fellow commuter, but these interactions are usually brief and often lack depth compared to those with close friends or family.

You may find that many a time that interaction among members of a formal group over time becomes close and ‘just like family and friends.’ This brings home the point that concepts are not fixed and frozen entities.

This chunk suggests that interactions within formal groups, such as workplaces or organizations, can evolve and become more personal over time. Initially, these relationships may be impersonal, but as members work together and share experiences, they can develop deeper bonds, resembling familial ties. This flexibility shows that the definitions of community and society can shift based on experiences and interactions.

Imagine a group of coworkers who initially see each other only during meetings. As they work on projects together, they start sharing personal stories and supporting each other, eventually forming friendships that resemble a close-knit community.

A sense of belonging marks an in-group. This feeling separates ‘us’ or ‘we’ from ‘them’ or ‘they’.

This chunk explains the concepts of 'in-groups' and 'out-groups.' An in-group consists of individuals who share characteristics and feel a sense of belonging, fostering a strong group identity. In contrast, out-groups represent those outside this group, often treated as different or excluded. This division can influence social dynamics and behavior towards others.

In schools, students often form cliques based on shared interests like sports or hobbies. Those inside the clique feel a strong bond ('us'), while those not in the group might be viewed as outsiders ('them'), shaping social interactions and perceptions.

For any group of people, there are always other groups whom they look up to and aspire to be like. The groups whose lifestyles are emulated are known as reference groups.

This section talks about reference groups, which are groups that individuals look up to and aspire to be like. These groups influence one's behavior, goals, and values. Reference groups can differ vastly, such as celebrities influencing youth culture, or professional groups providing role models for career aspirations.

Think of teenagers who admire pop stars or athletes. They might take inspiration from their fashion choices, lifestyle, or public attitudes, leading them to emulate those behaviors in their own lives.

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