Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

compare different types or forms of societies and individuals, and

discuss the interaction between individuals and societies in the social system.

In the Philippines, life in the province is certainly different from life in the city. While structures, technology, and
transportation continue to boom in the cities, provinces remain to be less industrialized, but rich in local produce and
resources. As such, individuals who grew up in cities develop as persons differently from those born in the provinces.

How do these differing societies influence individuals?

Find out the answer in this lesson!

Socioeconomic, technological, and environmental differences in societies may dictate cultural differences among
individuals. Because different types of societies exist, it is also expected that there are various societal differences
among individuals as well.

Individuals and Societal Transformations

Individuals are social animals who need society for food, protection, education, and other forms of support.
Meanwhile, a society is a collection of individuals shaped by social relations and interactions. As such, individuals
and society need each other to function properly. They have a complementary relationship that is improved and
influenced by culture and social institutions. In effect, societies and individuals all around the world develop varying
cultures and practices.

Examples:

Many Filipino children still live with their parents even during adulthood.

Paris is known as the center of fashion due to numerous designers that focused their works in the city.

Types of Societies and Individuals

In learning about types of societies, it is important to know that classifications were made by socioeconomic
conditions and availability of resources. Nevertheless, these classifications describe all currently existing models of
societies.

Types of Societies

Agrarian (Agricultural)

It focuses on the production of crops and raising of farm animals.

Women share the same type and mode of labor.

It utilizes technological advances to cultivate crops.

Industrial (Modern Industrial)

 It introduced fuel-driven machinery in goods production.

Factories are seen as the center of work.

Transportation is more developed and advanced than agricultural societies.

Virtual (Post-Industrial)

Professional services are offered in exchange for money.

Technology is used in every aspect of life and work

It focuses on the production and selling of information.

Apart from these, some more types of societies include pastoral, hunting and gathering, and feudal. However, these
models no longer exist at present.

Types of Individuals in Society

The types of individuals in a society are dictated by socioeconomic conditions and capability. Each individual belongs
to a certain social class or group of people with similar levels of wealth and status.

Lower Class

experiences poverty, homelessness, and unemployment

relatively higher in number in developing countries

Working Class

constitutes blue-collared workers (e.g. waiter, driver, salesperson)

experiences low career opportunities and minimal wage

Middle Class

consists of white-collared workers (e.g. doctor, lawyer, engineer)

able to survive life with relatively minimal material difficulties

typically provides professional services as sources of income

Upper Class

consists of individuals born into aristocratic families

usually involves families with large businesses and ventures

Different Individuals and Societies in the Social System

The social system denotes the whole society that is comprised of individuals and institutions interacting within the
same structure. Despite differences in classifications, all types of individuals and social models co-exist and interact
within the social system. Different combinations between individuals and societal models may occur within the
system. As such, culture is developed through simultaneous societal interactions.

Examples:

Individuals from the upper class may primarily live in agricultural settings due to the nature of their family
business (e.g. haciendero).

Provinces near the Metro have an industrialized society and is primarily composed of middle class workers.

As society continuously rebuilt itself, vast changes occurred within the last 10 years. The Philippines used to be an
industrialized society, but with the sudden availability of resources and opportunities, it was able to shift to a post-
industrial social model. Alongside this, many middle class workers emerged since new professional positions were
developed. Looking at these advancements, what societal changes do you think will occur within the next ten years?

Try it!

Assess yourself and your society. In a sheet of paper, list down the socioeconomic characteristics of your family,
including the work of your parents, siblings, or extended family members who live with you. Next, briefly list down
the characteristics of your current environment and living conditions. Using your learning from this lesson, try to
determine which social class you and your family belong to, as well as the type of society you live in.

What do you think?

Is it possible for a nation not to have all types of societies and individuals within the social system? Why? Why not?

Tips

Individuals from different social classes may interact with one another; however, interaction does not
change a persons social class. An individuals social group changes only when his socioeconomic capabilities
change.

All individuals may fall under only one social class at any single point in time. Meanwhile, people may
encounter and live in different types of societies at the same time (e.g. having two houses in different parts of
the country).

All types of societies and individuals fall under a social system. It is important to remember that a social
system goes beyond the individual and society. It also includes culture, institutions, and the interaction
among these factors.

Keypoints

Individuals are social animals who need society for food, protection, education, and other forms of
support.
 Society is a collection of individuals shaped by social relations and interactions.

The types of societies evident at present are agrarian, industrial, and virtual. Meanwhile, societies such
as pastoral, hunting and gathering, and feudal are not existing anymore.

Individuals fall under any one of the four social classes, namely: lower, working, middle, and upper.