Society

Definition

A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social grouping sharing the same geographical or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Societies are characterized by patterns of relationships between individuals who share a distinctive culture and institutions.

Related terms

Culture: The shared beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society.

Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society and develop a sense of self.

Institution: An established mechanism of societal behavior and order, such as family, education systems, religion, or criminal justice systems that governs the behavior of individuals within a community