Author
Home > Sociology > What is the Difference Between State and Society?

Guilherme Mazui

•5 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between State and Society?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between state and society lies in their definitions, functions, and structures. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Definition:
  • Society is a voluntary collection of people, bound together in social relationships, and is a natural unity of people. It includes all relationships among its people and their groups, and is the focus of study of sociology.
  • The state is a political society with four elements: population, fixed territory, government, and sovereignty. It is a politically organized unity of people, responsible for the protection and promotion of the society and its well-being.
  • Function:
  • Society is a broader concept, encompassing all types of relations (social, economic, cultural, political, moral, religious, etc.) that emerge and develop among people. It is rooted in human nature, and people naturally enter into social relationships to form society.
  • The state is a political institution concerned primarily with the exercise of power in society. It has the authority to punish or award people and regulate relationships in society through laws and regulations.
  • Structure:
  • Society is an organization and a system of social relationships. It does not have territories and is not a political organization.
  • The state is a compulsory organization with a fixed territory, and it is a political organization. It derives its main strength from the laws that have been made and implemented.

In summary, society is a natural unity of people bound together in social relationships, while the state is a political organization with the authority to exercise power and regulate relationships in society. The state and society are interrelated and dependent on each other, but they have distinct functions and structures.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between State and Society?
  • Comparative Table: State vs Society

    • Comparative Table: State vs Society

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between state and society:

    Feature State Society
    Definition A state is a politically organized community of people living on a definite portion of territory, characterized by the exercise of sovereignty over the people. Society is the sum total of social relations among people and includes all relationships among its people and their groups.
    Scope The state is a political institution or organization, primarily concerned with the exercise of power in society. Society is a broader and more comprehensive organization of human beings, formed by all types of relations (social, economic, cultural, political, moral, religious, and others) that emerge and develop among the people.
    Formation The state is an artificial, created institution, established when it was needed. Society is rooted in human nature, as people naturally enter into social relationships and form society.
    Geographical Boundaries The state is restricted to a geographical piece of land. Society is not limited to a specific geographical area; its members can be found anywhere around the world, adhering to the same social relationships.
    Authority The state has the authority to create laws, punish or award people, and regulate external relationships of society. Society has the power of influence, but not the power of coercion.
    Structure The state has a system, with the government taking charge as the head, and its structure is essential for the security and growth of society. Society is a web of social relationships, with its focus being the study of sociology.
    Membership Membership to a state is restricted and must be acquired. In society, people are naturally connected through various social relationships.

    In summary, the state is a political organization with the authority to create laws and regulations, while society is a broader, more comprehensive organization of human beings based on various social relationships. The state is limited by geographical boundaries, whereas society can extend globally. The state has a formal structure with a government at its head, while society is a web of social relationships studied by sociology.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.