SOCIOLOGY
Chapter 4 section 3:
TYPES OF SOCIETIES
Some basics…

GROUP: a set of people who interact on the
basis of shared expectations and who possess
some degree of common identity. Some
groups & small & organized along informal
lines while others are large & more formal. The
largest, most complex groups that sociologists
study are societies, which are classified
according to SUBSISTENCE STRATEGIES – the
way the society uses technology to provide
for the needs of its members.
Category 1: PREINDUSTRIAL
 Pre-industrial
societies may be subdivided
according to their level of technology &
their method of producing food, which is
their main economic activity. There are 4
subdivisions within this category:
 HUNTING & GATHERING SOCIETIES
 PASTORAL SOCIETIES
 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES
 AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
Cat. 1 - PREINDUSTRIAL


Hunting/gathering: the daily collection of wild plants &
hunting of wild animals to satisfy the demand for food.
These are nomadic societies who have small numbers of
members. Statuses w/in the group are relatively = &
decisions are by consensus. The family = the major social
unit.
Pastoral: while nomadic as well, this type of group is a little
more efficient b/c they rely on domesticated herd animals
to meet their food needs. They still must move from pasture
to pasture but their food supply is more reliable so their
population is larger. Food surpluses allow for the division of
labor (craftworkers, tool producers, weapon producers,
etc). Trade occurs – leading to inequality in wealth.
Hereditary chieftainships are typically the form of gov’t.
Cat. 1: PREINDUSTRIAL

Horticultural: Mainly subsist on fruits/veg.
grown in gardens within the jungle. Their
villages are permanent or semi-permanent
due to slash/burn clearing methods. Villages
vary in size according to available farm land.
Like pastoral societies, food surpluses leads to
a division of labor. Hereditary chiefs rule here
as well. Since they are more permanent
settlements they are typically more
developed than pastoral societies.
Cat. 1: PREINDUSTRIAL


Agricultural: Animals contribute their labor here
allowing for increased cropping & higher yields.
As a result these communities may be very large.
Specialization of labor may lead to the
development of cities for trade. Typically ruled by
a hereditary monarch with power transferred
generationally. Armies emerge for protection;
transportation & economic systems for trade;
BARTER (the exchange of a good or service)
facilitates trade. Sharp status differences are
present here; Major divisions between landowners
& peasants dictates wealth accumulation.
What can we learn from preindustrial societies?
CATEGORY 2: INDUSTIRAL
SOCIETIES

Here the emphasis shifts from food production to the
production of manufactured goods. Mechanization
occurs to facilitate this shift; new technology results.
Population increases significantly & the economic
system changes as the need for farmers decreases.
Factories emerge in cities leading to urbanization as
former ag. Workers look for manufacturing work.
Production increases significantly. Education takes
place outside the family (formally). Social position
results from competition (social statuses are
ascribed).

Basics of bartering
bartering application
CATEGORY 3: POSTINDUSTRIAL

Postindustrial societies go beyond the level of
development in industrial societies. Here,
much of the economy is involved in providing
information & services. In the US about 73% of
the labor force is involved in those activities;
25% in manufacturing or production jobs & 2%
in agriculture. The standard of living in these
societies is very high. Strong emphasis is
placed on education, rights of individuals &
personal fulfillment. These societies are well
suited for democracy.
CONTRASTING SOCIETIES



Sociologists have compared preindustrial &
industrial societies using the concepts of
MECHANICAL and ORGANIC solidarity (Durkheim
= functionalist)
MECHANICAL SOLIDARITY: this is what holds
preindustrial societies together; by sharing the
same values & tasks they become united.
ORGANIC SOLIDARITY: holds Industrial & PI
societies together. Its based on the impersonal
social relationships that arise with job
specialization…people can no longer provide for
all of their own needs & so become dependent on
others for survival.
CONTRASTING SOCIETIES



German Sociologist Ferdinand Tonnies
distinguished 2 ideal types of societies based on
the structure of social relationships and the degree
of shared values among societal members.
GEMEINSCHAFT = community. Members know
each other & relationships are close. Activities
center on family & community. There is a strong
sense of solidarity. (EX: PI societies; rural villages)
GESELLSCHAFT = society. Social relationships
based on need rather than emotion. Relationships
are impersonal & often temporary. Individual
goals trump group goals. (EX: urban societies like
the US).