Somewhat similar to the concepts of primary and secondary groups are the concepts of gemeinschaft and gesellschaft. These are German terms and used to represent community and society or association respectively. These concepts were developed by German sociologist Ferdinand Tonnies [1887] to differentiate between urban and rural life or community living and living in the mass society. The concept ‘gemeinschaft’ is closer to the concept of community.
According to Tonnies, it refers to “social relationships whatever function characterised by relative smallness, cohesion, long duration and emotional intensity”. It is characterised by a sense of solidarity and a common identity. There is a strong emphasis on shared values and sentiments, a “we-feeling”. Horace Miner [in International Encyclopaedia of the Social Sciences, Vol. 3, 1968] described it as referring to a ‘community of feeling’ [a kind of associative unity of ideas and emotions] and notes that it derives from likeness and shared life experience.
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People frequently interact with one another and tend to establish deep and long-term relationships. Social control in gemeinschaft is maintained through informal means such as moral persuasion, gossip, and even gestures.
By contrast, ‘gesellschaft’ is an ideal type characteristic of modern urban life. It is often conceptualised as a corporate or mass society—a society based on relations or roles and consisting of associational groups. It is characterised by individualism, mobility, impersonality, the pursuit of self-interest and an emphasis on progress rather than tradition. Shared values and total personal involvement become secondary.
Tonnies [1987] writes: “Everybody is by himself and isolated, and there exists a condition of tension against all others.” Gesellschaft, in short, is the logic of the market place, where relationships are contractual, impersonal and temporary. There is little sense of commonality and social relationships often grow out of immediate tasks, such as purchasing a product.
Largely, as a result of industrialisation, urbanisation, technological revolution, division of labour and population growth, the gesellschaft has replaced the society of tradition with the society of contract. In this society, neither personal attachment nor traditional rights and duties are important. The relationships between men are determined by bargaining and defined in written agreement.
In the end, it may be noted that there is a great deal of similarity between the typologies of C.H. Cooley [primary and secondary groups], Ferdinand Tonnies [gemeinschaft and gesellschaft], Emile Durkheim [mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity] and Robert Redfield [folk and urban continuum]. The regular rediscovery, restatement and reiteration of the same dichotomy of social types suggest that the distinction being made is very fundamental.
Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft are two types of social organizations that Germans use to describe the different ways in which people interact with each other. Gemeinschaft is more intimate, while Gesellschaft is more formal. In today’s society, we often see a mixture of both Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft relationships. Let’s take a closer look at these two concepts and see how they play out in our lives.
Contents hide
What is Gemeinschaft?
What is Gesellschaft?
Difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft
Conclusion
What is Gemeinschaft?
Gemeinschaft is a German word that refers to a type of community where members share strong emotional bonds and close personal relationships. Gemeinschaft is often contrasted with Gesellschaft, which refers to a more impersonal, rational type of community. Gemeinschaft communities are typically small and intimate, and members often share similar values and beliefs. One example of Gemeinschaft is a close-knit family. Other examples include small towns, religious groups, and military units. Gemeinschaft has been declining in recent years as society has become more individualistic and anonymous. However, many people still yearn for the close personal bonds that Gemeinschaft provides.
What is Gesellschaft?
Gesellschaft is a type of social organization characterized by large-scale social interactions and a high degree of social inequality. Gesellschaft is often contrasted with Gemeinschaft, which refers to smaller-scale social organizations characterized by close-knit relationships and a relatively egalitarian structure. While Gesellschaft is typically associated with modern industrial societies, it can also be found in other types of social organizations, such as the Ancient Roman Empire. Gesellschaft is often used to describe the impersonal nature of modern societies, as well as the high degree of social stratification that exists within them.
Difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft
Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft are two sociological terms used to describe different kinds of societies. Gemeinschaft is a term used to describe societies that are based on close personal relationships, while Gesellschaft is used to describe societies that are more impersonal in nature. The distinction between the two terms is not always clear, but Gemeinschaft societies are typically small and isolated, while Gesellschaft societies are larger and more interconnected. Gemeinschaft societies are also generally more traditional, while Gesellschaft societies tend to be more modern. The distinction between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft is helpful in understanding the differences between different kinds of societies.
Conclusion
In sociology, there are two main types of social groups: Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. Gemeinschaft is a close-knit group where everyone knows each other and shares common values. Gesellschaft, on the other hand, is an impersonal group where people are more likely to interact with strangers than friends. Understanding the difference between these two types of social groups can help you better understand your customers and how to market to them.