Difference Between Society and Civilization

Key Difference – Society vs Civilization
 

Society and civilization are two common words we often use, but do you know what the difference between society and civilization is? Society is a collection of individuals who live together under one set of traditions, laws or orders. Civilization is an advanced stage human social development and organization. This is the difference between society and civilization.

What Does Society Mean?

Society is a collection of individuals who live together under one set of laws or orders. Let’s look at some definitions of this word in order to understand it better.

“The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community” – Oxford dictionary

“People in general thought of as living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions, and values” – Merriam-Webster dictionary

As evident from these definitions, people in a society share traditions, values, and laws. They also often share same geographical territory and are subject to the dominant cultural expectations and the same political authority. A society is also characterized by social relations between individuals within the society.

What Does Civilization Mean?

The term civilization may have different meanings and interpretations to different people. It can be generally described as an advanced stage human social development and organization. Let’s look at some definitions of this word in order to understand it better.

“The stage of human social development and organization which is considered most advanced” – Oxford dictionary

“The condition that exists when people have developed effective ways of organizing a society and care about art, science, etc.” – Merriam-Webster dictionary

According to these definitions, civilization can be termed as a particular well-organized and developed society. It is also important to note that civilization is made up of both society and culture.

In general usage, civilization can also refer to the comfort and convenience of modern life, regarded as available only in towns and cities. This word has been used in the past by Westerners to describe their way of life, in contrast to the different way of life they encountered in the east.

What is the difference between Society and Civilization?

Definition:

Society is the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

Civilization is the stage of human social development and organisation which is considered most advanced.

• Civilization can sometimes refer to a particular well-organized and developed society.

Culture:

Society may consist of people belonging to different cultures.

Civilization is made up of both society and culture.

Image Courtesy: Pixabay