scientific literature contains many definitions of "society."So, in the narrow sense - is a group of people united to perform any activity and communication, as well as a specific stage of historical development of the country or the people.In a wide - of the material world, separate from nature, but it is closely connected, which consists of individuals who have consciousness and will, including the forms of association of people and how they interact.
R.Aron In the 20th century put forward the theory of industrial society, which was then refined by American sociologists and political scientists A.Tofflerom, Daniel Bell, Zbigniew Brzezinski.It describes the gradual process of development of backward society to advanced.Total allocated three stages: the agrarian (pre-industrial), industrial and postindustrial.
agrarian society - this is the first stage of civilized development.In some sources it is also called traditional.It is characteristic for ancient and medieval times.However, inherent in some states, and at the moment.To a large extent the "third world" (Africa, Asia).
can identify the following characteristics of the agrarian society:
- economy is based on a primitive craft and rural subsistence economy.Used mainly hand tools.Industry or only slightly developed, or totally absent.Most of the population lives in rural areas, farming.
- domination of the state, communal forms of ownership;and not a private inviolable.Material goods are distributed depending on the position occupied by the person in the social hierarchy.
- Economic growth rates are low.
- social structure practically unchanged.Man is born in a particular caste or class of society and does not change its position on lifelong learning.Basic social unit is the family and the community.
- conservative society.Any changes occur slowly and spontaneously.
- Human behavior is governed by beliefs, customs, corporate principles and norms.The independence and individuality is discouraged.Social group defines the rules of conduct for the individual.The man does not analyze its position, it seeks to adapt to the environment.Everything that happens to him, he evaluates positions with the social group to which belongs.
- Agrarian society requires a strong power of the army and the church, an ordinary person barred from politics.
- limited number of educated people, the prevalence of oral information on writing.
- priority of spiritual sphere of economic, human life is seen as a realization of the divine Providence.
a result of economic, political, social and spiritual development of the agrarian society in the majority of countries have moved to the industrial stage, which is characterized by growth in agricultural and industrial productivity, the increase in core capital, income growth.
There are new classes - the bourgeoisie and the industrial proletariat.Reduce the number of farmers in the population, urbanization occurs.The role of the state.The agrarian and industrial society confronted each other in all directions.
to the post-industrial stage is characterized by the development of services, the promotion of the fore, increase the role of knowledge, science and information.There is a blurring of class distinctions, the share of the middle class.
agrarian society with a Eurocentric perspective - backward, closed, primitive social organism, which Western sociology contrasted industrial and postindustrial civilization.
