Society vs. Community: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Society is a broad network of individuals who share laws, traditions, and values, while Community refers to a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
Key Differences
Society encompasses a larger group of people who share common laws, traditions, and values. It is extensive and includes various communities within it. In contrast, Community is more localized, often referring to a group of people in a specific area or with shared interests, focusing on relationships and personal connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
While Society is often governed by formal structures like governments and institutions, it represents a collective of diverse groups and interests. On the other hand, Community usually implies a closer, more personal interaction among its members, often bound by common purposes or goals.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Society can be seen as a macro-level concept that includes various communities, each with their own unique characteristics. It is more abstract and less personal. Conversely, Community is a micro-level concept where personal relationships and a sense of belonging are more pronounced.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
In Society, individuals may feel less personal connection but benefit from a shared set of laws and cultural norms. Community, however, often provides a stronger support network and a sense of belonging, due to the more intimate nature of relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Society is characterized by its broad scope, including economic, social, and cultural dimensions that influence individuals. In contrast, Community is typically characterized by its smaller scale and more immediate, personal interactions among members.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Structure
Governed by laws and institutions
Governed by shared interests and proximity
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Focus
Broad, including various communities
Specific, localized or interest-based
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Interaction
Indirect, through social norms and systems
Direct, through personal relationships
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Society and Community Definitions
Society
An organized group of people bound by shared institutions, traditions, and culture.
The society in this region has a rich tradition of folk music.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests.
The gaming community is growing rapidly worldwide.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The community of people living in a particular region and having shared customs, laws, and organizations.
The society of ancient Greece was known for its philosophy and democracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
The local community came together to support the new library.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Society
The totality of people regarded as forming a community of interdependent individuals
Working for the benefit of society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
The community spirit at the festival was contagious.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
A group of people broadly distinguished from other groups by mutual interests, participation in characteristic relationships, shared institutions, and a common culture
Rural society.
Literary society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A body of people or things viewed collectively.
The scientific community is debating the new findings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
An organization or association of persons engaged in a common profession, activity, or interest
A folklore society.
A society of bird watchers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The wealthy, socially dominant members of a community. Also called high society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
Companionship; company
Enjoys the society of friends and family members.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of people having common interests
The scientific community.
The international business community.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
(Biology) A colony or community of organisms, usually of the same species
An insect society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society
The gay community.
The community of color.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
(countable) A long-standing group of people sharing cultural aspects such as language, dress, norms of behavior and artistic forms.
This society has been known for centuries for its colorful clothing and tight-knit family structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
(countable) A group of people who meet from time to time to engage in a common interest; an association or organization.
It was then that they decided to found a society of didgeridoo-playing unicyclists.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
(countable) The sum total of all voluntary interrelations between individuals.
The gap between Western and Eastern societies seems to be narrowing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
(uncountable) The people of one’s country or community taken as a whole.
Our global society develops in fits and starts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of organisms interacting with one another and with the environment in a specific region.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
(uncountable) High society.
Smith was first introduced into society at the Duchess of Grand Fenwick's annual rose garden party.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
A number of people joined by mutual consent to deliberate, determine and act toward a common goal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
(countable) A group sharing a common understanding, and often the same language, law, manners, and/or tradition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company.
There is society where none intrudesBy the deep sea, and music in its roar.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
Connection; participation; partnership.
The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
A number of persons associated for any temporary or permanent object; an association for mutual or joint usefulness, pleasure, or profit; a social union; a partnership; as, a missionary society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of people interacting by electronic means for educational, professional, social, or other purposes; a virtual community.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The persons, collectively considered, who live in any region or at any period; any community of individuals who are united together by a common bond of nearness or intercourse; those who recognize each other as associates, friends, and acquaintances.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
(uncountable) The condition of having certain attitudes and interests in common.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
Specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community in its social relations and influences; those who mutually give receive formal entertainments.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
Common enjoyment or possession; participation.
A community of goods
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
An extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
A formal association of people with similar interests;
He joined a golf club
They formed a small lunch society
Men from the fraternal order will staff the soup kitchen today
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A local area within a county or county borough which is the lowest tier of local government, usually represented by a community council or town council, which is generally equivalent to a civil parish in England.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
Common possession or enjoyment; participation; as, a community of goods.
The original community of all things.
An unreserved community of thought and feeling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.
Modern society faces challenges like climate change and inequality.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A body of people having common rights, privileges, or interests, or living in the same place under the same laws and regulations; as, a community of monks. Hence a number of animals living in a common home or with some apparent association of interests.
Creatures that in communities exist.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
A body of individuals living as members of a community; community.
The society in this city is known for its multicultural diversity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
Society at large; a commonwealth or state; a body politic; the public, or people in general.
Burdens upon the poorer classes of the community.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Society
The totality of social relationships among humans.
Technology is rapidly changing the fabric of society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
Common character; likeness.
The essential community of nature between organic growth and inorganic growth.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
Commonness; frequency.
Eyes . . . sick and blunted with community.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of people living in a particular local area;
The team is drawn from all parts of the community
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of people having ethnic or cultural or religious characteristics in common;
The Christian community of the apostolic age
He was well known throughout the Catholic community
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A group of nations having common interests;
They hoped to join the NATO community
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
The body of people in a learned occupation;
The news spread rapidly through the medical community
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
Agreement as to goals;
The preachers and the bootleggers found they had a community of interests
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
A district where people live; occupied primarily by private residences
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
(ecology) a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Community
The condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.
Despite their differences, the community shared a common goal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a community always geographical?
No, communities can be based on shared interests or characteristics, not just geography.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What defines a society?
A society is defined by a large group of people associated with a shared culture, traditions, and institutions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can a community exist without a society?
No, communities are typically subsets of a larger society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What role do laws play in a society?
Laws provide structure and governance to a society, influencing its operation and norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
How do societies evolve?
Societies evolve through changes in cultural practices, technological advancements, and interactions with other societies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
How do societies impact individual behavior?
Societies influence individual behavior through norms, laws, and cultural expectations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is a virtual community?
A virtual community is a group of people interacting and sharing interests over the internet.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can someone be part of multiple communities?
Yes, individuals can belong to multiple communities based on different interests or aspects of their identity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What distinguishes a community from a group?
A community is often larger and more structured than a group, with shared long-term interests or living situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is the primary difference between a society and a community?
a society is larger and more diverse, while a community is smaller and often more closely-knit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is the importance of community in a person's life?
Communities provide support, a sense of belonging, and shared experiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
How does a community influence personal identity?
A community influences personal identity through shared experiences, values, and social interactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can societies be multicultural?
Yes, societies can be multicultural, encompassing diverse cultures and traditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
How do societal norms develop?
Societal norms develop through shared beliefs, traditions, and repeated social interactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
How does globalization affect society?
Globalization affects society by increasing cultural exchange, economic interdependence, and global communication.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is the impact of technology on society?
Technology impacts society by changing communication, work, and access to information.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is the role of culture in a community?
Culture in a community provides a shared set of practices, values, and beliefs that bind its members.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What are examples of community activities?
Examples include local festivals, community service projects, and neighborhood meetings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
How do communities respond to crises?
Communities respond to crises by mobilizing resources, supporting affected members, and coordinating with external agencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
What is social stratification in society?
Social stratification refers to the division of society into different levels of power, wealth, or status.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
