Tönnies: Community and Society

A system of rules based on shared values and traditions, often rooted in family life and land ownership. It's guided by customs and moral principles.

These rules are enforced by the collective will of the group, using customs, traditions, and religious beliefs as guides.

A system of rules created by formal laws and agreements, based on public opinion and political intentions.

These rules are enforced through political power and government institutions.

Traditional laws and customs are considered natural and exist before formal laws.

Formal, written laws established and enforced by governments and institutions.

Ideal laws based on values and beliefs, shaping aspirations and ideas of how things should be.

The will of a community shaped by shared values and aspirations, expressed through laws, customs, and traditions.

A situation where individuals are isolated from each other and harbor negative feelings, relying only on fear of retaliation to avoid conflict.

Individuals in a society avoid conflict by being cautious and not directly attacking each other, primarily due to fear of retaliation.

The control and influence that individuals and groups have over others within a society.

The ability to influence and control others through economic means, such as owning and managing resources and production.

The production of goods and services on a large scale, often using advanced technology and machinery, usually characterized by capitalist ownership and profit-driven motives.

The organized effort to produce goods and services, often using a planned approach to maximize efficiency and profits.

The power and influence gained by merchants through their control over labor and resources.

The individuals who engage in trade and financial activities, often acquiring significant control over resources and labor.

A society based on shared values, traditions, and customs, with a strong sense of community and interconnectedness.

A society based on individualism, rational self-interest, and impersonal relationships. It's characterized by formal institutions and a focus on individual rights.

The gradual change in legal systems as societies shift from Gemeinschaft to Gesellschaft.

Agreements and contracts become the foundation of social and economic interactions in Gesellschaft.

The combination of individual will (Gesellschaft) and state authority shapes and enforces laws in modern society.

The shift from a society focused on faith and unseen forces to one driven by science and understanding of the natural world.

Religion's influence weakens as scientific understanding grows.

Science's knowledge is gained through learning and culture, making it distant from everyday people.

Religion's connection to morality arises from its strong ties to family, tradition, and the spiritual connection between generations.

As societies become more complex and interconnected, they start to resemble large cities.

In cities and gesellschaft societies, the wealthy and educated set the social norms and expectations.

People in lower social classes adapt to expectations set by the upper strata either to surpass them or to gain social power.

The shift from a simpler, traditional society (Gemeinschaft) to a more interconnected, complex, and urban society (Gesellschaft) brings about changes in social structure and individual roles.

In Gesellschaft, laws and regulations replace folkways, mores, and religious traditions as the primary means of maintaining order and social control.

Through laws enforced by courts and police, the State exerts authority, ensuring the equal application of rules for all citizens except those deemed incapable (children and lunatics).

The capitalist system, driven by the pursuit of profit, shapes a society driven by material desires and the constant pursuit of pleasure and entertainment. This creates an intense focus on acquiring goods and services, fueled by the merchants' economic influence.

Social control in Gesellschaft relies heavily on fear of punishment, particularly from the state, to curtail behaviors deemed harmful to the common interest. This is distinct from Gemeinschaft, where social control is often more informal and based on tradition and shame.

The will of individuals in a Gesellschaft is often guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of personal goals. This can create conflicts and competition as individuals strive to maximize their own benefits, even if it means compromising the needs of others.

In a Gesellschaft, the legal system combines the individual will of citizens with the authority of the state to enforce laws and maintain order. This reflects the balance between individual rights and collective needs in a modern society.