The concept of "society" is considered in two main aspects. The first involves its philosophical explanation. In this aspect, society is called a part of the material world that is isolated from nature, which represents a form of historical development and human activity.
In history, cultural studies and sociology, society is usually considered as a system, a specific social organism (American, English, Italian, etc.) or a certain stage in the history of mankind (generic, capitalist, etc.).
The emergence of society by various philosophers and scientists has historically been treated differently. Today it is recognized that 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 concept 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). The subsystems of his life are social, economic, political, social and spiritual spheres that are closely intertwined and interact. Society as a system can exist precisely thanks to this interaction.
In addition to large subsystems, smaller links are distinguished in society, for example, various communities. These include classes, ethnic communities, families, social groups, various collectives, etc., the interaction of which is commonly called social relations.
Socially significant groups with stable relations between them are formed in a social structure. Their members have common symptoms. It can be kinship, common origin, ethnic characteristics, general worldview (religious) attitudes, social status and others. A social group dictates norms of behavior to a person, instills value orientations, and fosters the level of corresponding claims.
The system of society is supported by social institutions - sustainable ways to meet the social needs of people. The main one is the state, which is the guarantor of law, security, order and protection for a person. 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 their meaning, others appear. As a result, ongoing social integrity is maintained.
Modern ideas about society are based on a systematic approach. People are interconnected by a common activity, which is aimed at achieving common goals. The most important characteristic of society is its integrity, which exists despite complex hierarchically built relationships.
Society is a system that successfully reproduces itself over time and generations. The mechanism of reproduction is based on existing stable relationships that are almost 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 natural environment, energy, matter and information. Moreover, society certainly has a much higher degree of organization compared to 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 unity, integrity and stability, which ensure adequate functioning in various fields, all systems and subsystems.
