Society as a system

The concept of "society" is considered in two main aspects. The first assumes his philosophical explanation. In this aspect, society is called the isolated part of the material world, which represents the form of historical development and life activity of people.

In history, cultural studies and sociology, society is generally regarded as a system, a specific social organism (American, English, Italian, etc.) or a certain stage in the history of mankind (generic, capitalistic, etc.).

The emergence of society by different philosophers and scientists has historically been treated differently. Today it is recognized that the society is determined both at the level of social communities and at the level of individuals. This is what makes it possible to talk about the notion of "society as a system," with its subsystems and composite, structural elements.

The main element of any society is a person (a socially developed person). Subsystems of his life are social, economic, political, social and spiritual spheres, which are closely intertwined and are in interaction. Society as a system can exist precisely because of this interaction.

In addition to large subsystems, smaller groups are also distinguished in society, for example, different communities. These include classes, ethnic communities, families, social groups, various collectives, etc., whose interaction is commonly called social relations.

Socially important groups with stable relations between them form a social structure. Their members have common signs. It can be related relations, common origin, ethnic features, common ideological (religious) attitudes, social status and others. The social group dictates to the person norms of behavior, instills value orientations, brings up the level of corresponding claims.

The system of society is maintained with the help of social institutions - sustainable ways to meet the social needs of people. The main one is the state, which is for the person a guarantor of law, security, order and protection. In turn, a person for the state is one of the participants in social production and a taxpayer.

In the course of the historical development of society, changes occur in its structure, the principles on which it is based. Some types of groups lose value, others appear. As a result, constant social integrity is maintained.

Modern ideas about society are based on a systematic approach. People are connected among themselves by common activities that are aimed at achieving common goals. The most important characteristic of the society is its integrity, existing despite complex hierarchically built relations.

Society is a system that successfully reproduces itself over time and a change of generations. The mechanism of reproduction is based on existing stable relations, which are practically independent in relation to its individual elements and structural links.

The society is also characterized by openness, which means its ability to exchange with the surrounding natural environment, energy, matter and information. At the same time, society, of course, has a much higher degree of organization compared with its environment. It is aimed at the constant satisfaction of their own needs, which indicates the effectiveness of its functioning.

Society as a system has the unity, integrity and stability that ensure adequate functioning in various spheres, all systems and subsystems.