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294 Society and Beliefs

Throughout time and in every part of the world, people

have organized themselves into groups with common

rules of living. A society is the name we give to the

organization of such a group.

DO SOCIETIES EVOLVE?

Societies usually adapt to changes around them,

such as the environment or

technology. Most change

happens gradually, but

some major events, such

as war or revolution,

can completely

transform societies.

HOW ARE SOCIETIES ORGANIZED?

All societies are organized around a division of labour

and decision-making. Modern societies are expected

to provide their members with protection, law and

order, economic security, and a sense of belonging.

Trying to understand how societies organize

themselves is the goal of the. SOCIAL SCIENCES.

WHAT DO SOCIETIES HAVE IN COMMON?

Certain institutions are found in every society, such as

the family, marriage, kin relationships, childcare, and

the division of work according to age or gender

(between male and female). Even so, the customs that

govern social behaviour vary greatly worldwide.

1 CAKE FOR A FEW, CRUMBS FOR THE REST

Some people think that society should work for the good of all its members. The

picture illustrates that capitalist society works for the benefit of all the classes

except the numerous working class which supports everyone by its labour.

4 ONCE DIVIDED, NOW UNITED

In 1989, Germans celebrated as the

Berlin Wall, separating the societies of

East and West Germany, was torn down.

Societies

1912 AMERICAN ELECTION POSTER WOOS THE WORKERS’ VOTE

The middle

class rely on the

workers’ labour

for their wealth

and lifestyle

The military

protect the

rulers from

rebellious

workers

Church leaders fool those

below by teaching them

obedience to authority

Rulers appear

to be the sole

decision-makers

Cash suggests

that society is

ruled by the

wealthy

Workers struggle to

provide for the rest of

society’s needs

societies