Society vs. Civilization: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Society refers to a group of individuals linked by social relationships, whereas civilization denotes a complex human society characterized by urban development, social stratification, and symbolic communication forms.
Key Differences
Society is an organized group of people bound together by social relations, sharing common cultural and social structures. Civilization, in contrast, is a more advanced stage of human social development and organization, marked by well-developed social institutions, art, science, and advanced technology.
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Dec 19, 2023
Society encompasses a variety of cultures and social norms, forming the basis of smaller communities, groups, or organizations. Civilization represents the peak of cultural and technological development in a society, often including the creation of cities, complex social structures, and significant advancements in arts and sciences.
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Dec 19, 2023
Societies can be small or large, ranging from tribes to nations, but are typically less complex than civilizations. Civilizations, however, are large-scale societies characterized by urban development, complex governmental systems, and often, a written language.
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Dec 19, 2023
A society is a fundamental human organization that can exist without reaching the complexity of a civilization. In contrast, a civilization is seen as the culmination of cultural, technological, and social evolution and progression in a society.
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Dec 19, 2023
In a historical context, societies have existed in various forms across time, while the term civilization often refers to specific well-organized societies that have made significant contributions to human progress, such as the ancient Egyptian or Roman civilizations.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of individuals linked by social relationships.
A complex human society with a high level of cultural, technological, and institutional development.
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Scale
Can vary from small communities to large groups.
Typically large-scale, encompassing cities and states.
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Complexity
Varies, generally less complex than civilizations.
High complexity with advanced social, political, and economic systems.
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Development Stage
Basic to advanced, depending on the group.
Advanced stage, marked by urban development and cultural achievements.
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Historical Examples
Tribes, clans, modern societies.
Ancient Egypt, Roman Empire, Mesopotamia.
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Society and Civilization Definitions
Society
Society refers to the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.
The laws are designed to ensure peace and order within society.
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Civilization
Civilization refers to the complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, and a symbolic communication form.
The exhibition displays artifacts from an ancient civilization.
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Society
Society also represents a body of individuals living as members of a community, without regard to their race, profession, or gender.
This society prides itself on being inclusive and diverse.
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Civilization
Civilization can also mean the comfort and convenience of modern life, regarded as available only in towns and cities.
Moving to the city, he was fascinated by the trappings of civilization.
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Society
The totality of people regarded as forming a community of interdependent individuals
Working for the benefit of society.
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Civilization
Civilization is the stage of human social and cultural development and organization that is considered advanced.
The ruins give us insight into the civilization that once thrived here.
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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.
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Civilization
Civilization is often used to refer to the process by which a society or place reaches an advanced stage of social and cultural development.
The book discusses the civilization process of medieval Europe.
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Society
An organization or association of persons engaged in a common profession, activity, or interest
A folklore society.
A society of bird watchers.
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Civilization
An advanced state of intellectual, cultural, and material development in human society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of record-keeping, including writing, and the appearance of complex political and social institutions.
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Society
The wealthy, socially dominant members of a community. Also called high society.
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Civilization
The type of culture and society developed by a particular nation or region or in a particular epoch
Mayan civilization.
The civilization of ancient Rome.
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Society
Companionship; company
Enjoys the society of friends and family members.
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Civilization
The act or process of civilizing or reaching a civilized state.
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Society
(Biology) A colony or community of organisms, usually of the same species
An insect society.
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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.
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Civilization
Modern society with its conveniences
Returned to civilization after camping in the mountains.
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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.
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Civilization
An organized culture encompassing many communities, often on the scale of a nation or a people; a stage or system of social, political, or technical development.
The Aztec civilization
Western civilization
Modern civilization is a product of industrialization and globalization.
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Society
(countable) The sum total of all voluntary interrelations between individuals.
The gap between Western and Eastern societies seems to be narrowing.
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Civilization
(uncountable) Human society, particularly civil society.
A hermit doesn't much care for civilization.
I'm glad to be back in civilization after a day with that rowdy family.
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Society
(uncountable) The people of one’s country or community taken as a whole.
Our global society develops in fits and starts.
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Civilization
The act or process of civilizing or becoming civilized.
The teacher's civilization of the child was no easy task.
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Society
(uncountable) High society.
Smith was first introduced into society at the Duchess of Grand Fenwick's annual rose garden party.
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Civilization
The state or quality of being civilized.
He was a man of great civilization.
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Society
A number of people joined by mutual consent to deliberate, determine and act toward a common goal.
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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.
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Civilization
Collectively, those people of the world considered to have a high standard of behavior and / or a high level of development. Commonly subjectively used by people of one society to exclusively refer to their society, or their elite sub-group, or a few associated societies, implying all others, in time or geography or status, as something less than civilised, as savages or barbarians. cf refinement, elitism, civilised society, the Civilised World
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Society
Connection; participation; partnership.
The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.
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Civilization
The act of civilizing, or the state of being civilized; national culture; refinement.
Our manners, our civilization, and all the good things connected with manners, and with civilization, have, in this European world of ours, depended for ages upon two principles - . . . the spirit of a gentleman, and spirit of religion.
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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.
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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.
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Civilization
A society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations);
The people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization
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Society
Specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community in its social relations and influences; those who mutually give receive formal entertainments.
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Society
An extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
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Civilization
A particular society at a particular time and place;
Early Mayan civilization
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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
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Civilization
The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste;
A man of intellectual refinement
He is remembered for his generosity and civilization
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Society
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
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Civilization
Civilization denotes a society in an advanced state of social and cultural development.
Historians study the rise and fall of civilizations to understand human progress.
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Society
Society is a community of people living together and interacting under shared norms and values.
The society in this region is known for its hospitality and strong community bonds.
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Society
Society can be understood as a group of individuals tied by social relationships and culture.
The festival is a significant part of our society's cultural heritage.
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Society
Society denotes an organized group of individuals associated for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.
She is actively involved in a society dedicated to environmental conservation.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a civilization exist without society?
No, civilizations are built upon the foundations of societies.
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Dec 19, 2023
What are the key components of a society?
Key components include social relationships, shared norms, values, and cultural practices.
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Is every society a civilization?
Not necessarily; all civilizations are societies, but not all societies reach the level of a civilization.
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What defines a civilization?
A civilization is characterized by advanced cultural, technological, and institutional developments.
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Can a society exist without a formal government?
Yes, societies can exist with various forms of organization, not necessarily formal governments.
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What role does religion play in a civilization?
Religion often plays a central role in shaping the cultural and moral framework of a civilization.
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How does a society evolve into a civilization?
Through cultural, technological, and social advancements over time.
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What is a society?
A society is a group of individuals connected by social relationships and shared cultural norms.
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What distinguishes a civilization from a simple society?
Civilizations are distinguished by their complexity, including advanced social structures, technology, and culture.
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What is the role of education in a civilization?
Education is vital for transmitting knowledge, values, and skills, essential for the progress of a civilization.
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How do cities relate to civilization?
Cities are often a hallmark of civilization, representing advanced urban development and organization.
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What causes societies to change and evolve?
Factors include technological advancements, environmental changes, cultural exchanges, and social dynamics.
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What impact does technology have on civilization?
Technology drives innovation and efficiency, significantly impacting a civilization's development and quality of life.
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Can civilizations decline or disappear?
Yes, throughout history, many civilizations have declined or collapsed due to various factors.
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How do societies handle conflict and resolution?
Through social norms, legal systems, and cultural practices designed for conflict management and resolution.
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What is social stratification in a civilization?
It refers to the hierarchical organization of individuals in a society, often based on class, status, or power.
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What is the importance of culture in a civilization?
Culture is essential for defining the identity, values, and achievements of a civilization.
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How does language contribute to a society?
Language is a crucial element for communication, cultural expression, and social cohesion in a society.
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Are modern societies considered civilizations?
Yes, modern societies with advanced stages of development are considered civilizations.
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Can societies exist in isolation?
While possible, most societies interact and are influenced by other groups and environments.
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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.
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