The term society is the most fundamental concept in sociology. Sociology is established as a separate science to study human society scientifically. Human life and society are two faces of the same coin. Man cannot live alone. He everywhere in groups in society, society has became an essential condition for all round development of personality. Hence “ARISTOTLE” recognized that “man is a social animal” man has created his own society because of his intellectual capacity. Sociology only delay with human society.

Characteristics of society:-

(a) Society- The Group of Groups: People collects together to form groups. Such groups combine together to give rise to society, each society has family, neighbour, village, city, labor association, religious gathering, Political Parties etc. H.M.Johnson- Has thus remarked that “society is the group of groups”. But it is not just like a crowd. It is a system. It consists of innumerable groups which fulfill the various needs of the people.

(b) Society is a web of Social Relations: Social relation means - The reciprocal contact between two or more persons. Social relationships have a wide range, for example Teacher – student, parent-children, patient-doctor, husband-wife and so on. One individual enters into several social relationships at the same time. Maclver and Page- Point out that society exists only where social beings behave towards one another in ways determined by their recognisation of one another. Thus society is a web of social relations.

(c) Similarity or likeness: The principal of likeness is essential for society. It exists among the people have similarities with regards to their needs, work, aims, ideals, values and soon. These similarities inspire the people to interact and like each other and live together. Hence mutual intimacy, Co-operation, love and affection, sympathy, sacrifice and feeling of oneness among people develops. Similarly of the people of same nature and behavior live together in society.

(d) Differences in Society: Likeness and differences are two faces of the same coin. Therefore we see natural differences among people in their interest, ability, talent, attitude, intelligence and so on. Thus we find farmers, labours. Teachers, soldiers, business men, advocates, doctors, engineers and other working in different capacities, Maclver and page- Said that "Primary likeness and Secondary differences are the chief features of human society".

(e) Co-operation and Division of Labor: Human Society is essentially based on Co-operation and divisions of labour. Due to the feeling of Co-operation people share their joys and sorrows. The division of labor depends on peoples interest, ability, sex, and age etc. Due to division of labor in various fields task are performed more efficiently. In modem society, skilled and specialized persons have more importance, thus co-operative and division of labor are reciprocal.

(f) Interdependence: Interdependence is another characteristic of society. An individual seeks the satisfaction of his wants and the fulfillment of his goals with the co-operation of others. For example Family is a primary institution is based on interdependence of members, with the growth of civilization and industrialization the need of interdependence has increased. Today not only individuals are interdependent but even communities are also interdependent.

(g) Society is Dynamic: Society keeps on changing forever. No society can ever remain constant for a long period. New associations, institutions and groups may come into being and old ones may die a natural death. Changes may take place slowly or suddenly at a rapid pace. For example-in the rural society changes may occur at a slower pace, where as in an urban society changes will occur at a faster pace.