“Definition and Characteristics”

How can we define a social system?

Various sociologists have described social systems by taking into account various social environments, societal factors, and social institutions. The following are some definitions of social systems:

  •  David Papenoe has defined social systems as, “A social system is a set of persons or groups who interact with one another; the set is conceived of as a social unit distinct from the particular people who compose it.”
  • Julius Gould and William-l-Kolb defined a  social system as “a social system is the system constituted by the interactions of a plurality of individual actors whose relations to each other are mutually oriented” (i.e. are defined and mediated by a system of culturally structural and adhered expectations.”
  • Manjumdar has defined a  social system as, “A social system is defined in terms of two or more soul actors engaged in more or less stable interaction within a bounded environment.”
  • Ogburn has defined social systems in the following way: “A social system may be defined as a plurality of individuals’ interactions with each other according to shared cultural norms and meanings.”

What are the characteristics of the social system?

The characteristics of a social system can be broadly classified into the following:

  • A social system has its own perimeters that may be used to differentiate it from other social systems.
  • The word “social system” refers to a sociological concept developed to examine society.
  • Members in a system act in line with the values, cultures, and norms that they embrace.
  • Participants in the system work together to achieve similar objectives or benefits.
  • People consider how others are willing to respond or behave while making decisions.
  • The idea of a social system can refer to the overall society or a collection of subsystems within it, such as the political, economic, and judicial systems.
  • A social system is made up of two or more people with a well-defined form of engagement.

What are the elements of the social system?

According to Loomis, “The social system is composed of the patterned interaction of members.” “It is constituted by the interaction of a plurality of individual actors whose relations to each other are mutually oriented through the pattern of structured and shared symbols and expectations.” 

The major elements of a social system are:

  • Belief and knowledge: The consistency of behavior is brought about by religions and understanding. They serve as a governing force in many human communities. Religions or faiths are the consequence of widely held beliefs and traditions. They like the individual’s power as they are directed along a specific path.
  •  D. Kerch and R.S. Crutchfield, “A belief is an enduring organization of perceptions and cognitions about some aspect of an individual’s world.”
  • It is possible for a belief to be true or untrue. It may or may not be genuine. However, those who embrace it consider it to be real.

For example, the Hindu social system is based on beliefs in Divine revelation, reincarnation, and the notion of Karma. The Karma idea underpins the Indian caste system.

  • Sentiment: Mankind does not exist solely on logic. Sentiments – parental, communal, notional, and so on – have played a prominent part in ensuring the continuance of society. It is inextricably related to the people’s culture. Sentiments are the ‘feelings’ we have regarding the universe. Sentiment is the most important component of a social system’s internal structure.

For example, Our feelings are influenced and controlled by our cultural beliefs and societal aspirations. Our cultural indoctrination shapes our feelings of love, compassion, generosity, patriotism, and universalism, among other things.

  • End, Goal, or Objective: The social system is created by the end, goal, or objective. Individuals in the social system anticipate achieving a specific aim or goal through suitable engagement. There would have been no civilization if there were no human desires, objectives, or aims. Between wants and gratifications, aim and purpose, man and society exist. The character of the social system is determined by these factors. They furnished a path for development as well as a view of the approaching surroundings.

For example, the nature of social systems is determined by human wants, aims, and purposes.

  • Ideals and Norms: The community establishes specific norms and values in order to maintain the social structure and to determine the diverse activities of various entities. These norms provide the rules and procedures by which people or groups can achieve their respective goals and objectives. In other words, values and norms are accountable for society’s ideal structure or framework. Human behavior does not become aberrant as a result of them, and they operate in accordance with societal standards.

For example, in the capitalist model, “efficiency” criteria are extremely important. In athletics, the concept of “fair play” is critical.

  • Status-Role: Every person in society serves a purpose. He bases his decisions on the status-role relationship. It may be a result of the person’s origin, gender, class, or age. It is possible to obtain it through the provision of services. An individual’s status can be assigned or earned. An individual’s ascribed status is determined at the time of his birth. It is bestowed on him by his peers or community. It might be based on a person’s gender, age, caste, or skin color. A person’s “accomplished” status is one that they have obtained through their own endeavors. For example, a man born into a low-caste household might become Prime Minister via his own efforts and therefore reach a high position. Roles are a set of functions that are tied to each status.

For example, humans have the positions of father, mother, son, daughter, and so on in the household. In an organization, institution, company, or workplace, there are statuses as well.

  • Rank: The term “rank” is similar to “standing” in this context. It takes into account how important a person is to the organization in which he or she holds the position. It is determined by the appraisal made of the individual and his actions in light of the system’s guidelines and norms.

For example, in current culture, a political leader has a greater position than a teacher, yet in previous eras, a teacher had a higher position than even the monarch.

  • Power: Harmony is the goal of the social system, and conflict is an element of it. As a result, it seems reasonable that some should be given the authority to reprimand the wicked and praise those who serve as models. The organization exercising power varies by subgroup; whereas the father’s leadership may be ultimate in the home, the leader’s jurisdiction is dominant in the state. As a result, each social system empowers an individual or group of individuals to acquire stress from the system’s members.
  • Sanction: It entails the validation of the supervisor’s actions by the higher in command, or the enforcement of a punishment for disobeying the instruction. Actions that are performed or not done in accordance with the rules may result in praise or condemnation.

For example, positive benefits such as salary, gains, interest, admiration, appreciation, and privileges, among others. Penalties and punishments are examples of negative consequences.

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