Difference Between State and Society

State vs Society

A state and a society are both comprised of people. “Society” and “state” are interrelated. They depend upon each other, and the progress of one influences the progress and livelihood of the other. People belonging to one society may belong to the state, and the majority of the state may comprise people of the same society. They complement each other and are dependent on each other. The social customs, traditions, philosophies, and actions of a society directly influences a state and its work ethics. No matter how complimentary they are, the basic difference between a state and a society is that in society everything happens due to voluntary actions, and there is a vast limit for flexibility and acceptability. In a state there are rules and regulations; the actions are mechanical and rigid.

State
A state is an integral part of the society. It can be defined as a particular or specific part or portion of a certain society which is organized politically. This politically organized portion of society is responsible for the protection of the society and also responsible for the progress, promotion, and well-being of the society. A state is, as mentioned before, a political organization unlike a society which is not a political organization.

The state has authority to punish or award the people of society. The main strength of the state is derived from the laws that have been made and implemented. The state, unlike society, has the authority to regulate only those relationships of society which are external.

The state has sovereignty and has the power to coerce. Any kind of disobedience or non-compliance of rules by anybody in the society can be punished by the state according to its laws.

The state has territories. It has well-defined boundaries. It is referred to as a territorial organization. In the same state there might be different societies following different cultures and traditions. The state is considered an organization which is compulsory in order to maintain law and order for the proper functioning of all the societies included in it.

Society
A society is basically a collection or group of people who are brought together and held together by the internal relationships amongst themselves in order to achieve common goals. The common goals may be happiness, progress, or any other well-being of all the individuals included in the society. The strength of the society depends upon its culture and traditions. All kinds of social behavior and the conduct of all individuals are regulated by common customs.

In a society, obedience has to be dictated and expected of their individuals through the power of customs, traditions, and moralities instead of through coercion. It has to be, in a way, persuaded and required by cooperation. Individuals are not punished as per some law when they do not follow dictums of society.

Society does not have any physical or geographical territories. They can expand from one state to another and commonly from one country to another.
Society is an absolutely voluntary unit. No one is a part of it if they do not want to be a part of it. Society could be either broader or in some cases narrower than the state.

Summary:

1.Society is a voluntary collection of people; the state is a compulsory organization.
2.Society does not have territories; the state has territories.
3.Society is not a political organization; the state is a political organization.
4.Society demands obedience through their customs, traditions and moralities; the state demands obedience through laws of the state.

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