Civilization vs. Society: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
Civilization refers to advanced stages of human organization, culture, and development; society denotes a group of people sharing common territory and culture.
Difference Between Civilization and Society
"Civilization" and "society" are terms central to the study of human communities, but they serve different conceptual purposes. Civilization is a term that signifies the advanced state of human development, often characterized by settled agriculture, urban development, sophisticated governance, and the presence of arts, science, and culture. A civilization typically spans across multiple societies and indicates a higher level of complexity and organization. For example, Ancient Egypt was a civilization with its architectural wonders and administrative structures.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
"Society", on the other hand, defines a community of people living together, sharing a common territory, and often bound by similar cultural, economic, and political norms. Unlike civilization, society does not necessarily imply an advanced stage of development. Societies can be primitive, agrarian, industrial, or technologically advanced. A society is more about communal living and can be seen as a subset of a civilization. The Maasai community in East Africa, for instance, represents a society with its unique customs, traditions, and governance.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
It's essential to note that while all civilizations comprise societies, not all societies reach the stage termed as civilization. Civilization indicates a larger, more complex structure, often covering vast geographical areas and consisting of multiple societies. In contrast, society is more localized and is primarily about social organization and interpersonal relationships.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In essence, civilization and society serve as building blocks in understanding human history and social organization. While civilization paints a broader picture of human advancement and achievements, society zeroes in on the intricacies of communal life and interactions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Civilization vs. Society Comparison Chart
Definition
Advanced stage of human development and organization.
Group of people sharing a territory and culture.
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Sep 25, 2023
Development Stage
Implies an advanced state of human development.
Can be at any stage of development.
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Main Focus
Development, culture, governance, arts, science.
Social interactions, culture, communal living.
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Civilization vs. Society Definitions
◉Civilization
An advanced state of human culture and organization.
The Mayan civilization is known for its advanced astronomy.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Society
The system of class or rank in a community.
He comes from high society, with many connections.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Civilization
The society, art, and culture of a particular region and time.
The civilization of Renaissance Italy was marked by flourishing arts.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Society
A group of people sharing the same geographical or social territory.
Tribal societies often have unique customs and traditions.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
◉Civilization
The process of achieving a higher cultural and social development.
The spread of education contributes to the growth of civilization.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Society
People collectively, in general.
Society's views on gender roles have evolved over time.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Civilization
The comfort and convenience of modern life.
Many people in cities are accustomed to the perks of civilization.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Society
An organization or club formed for a particular purpose.
She joined a society dedicated to bird watching.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Civilization
An organized society with its governance and institutions.
The Indus Valley civilization had an intricate urban planning system.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Society
The totality of people regarded as forming a community of interdependent individuals
working for the benefit of society.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
An advanced state of intellectual, cultural, and material development in human society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of record-keeping, including writing, and the appearance of complex political and social institutions.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Society
A group of people broadly distinguished from other groups by mutual interests, participation in characteristic relationships, shared institutions, and a common culture
rural society.
literary society.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
The type of culture and society developed by a particular nation or region or in a particular epoch
Mayan civilization.
the civilization of ancient Rome.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
An organization or association of persons engaged in a common profession, activity, or interest
a folklore society.
a society of bird watchers.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
The act or process of civilizing or reaching a civilized state.
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◉Society
The wealthy, socially dominant members of a community. Also called high society.
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◉Society
Companionship; company
enjoys the society of friends and family members.
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◉Civilization
Modern society with its conveniences
returned to civilization after camping in the mountains.
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◉Society
(Biology) A colony or community of organisms, usually of the same species
an insect society.
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◉Civilization
An organized culture encompassing many communities, often on the scale of a nation or a people; a stage or system of social, political, or technical development.
the Aztec civilization
Western civilization
Modern civilization is a product of industrialization and globalization.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
(countable) A long-standing group of people sharing cultural aspects such as language, dress, norms of behavior and artistic forms.
This society has been known for centuries for its colorful clothing and tight-knit family structure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
(uncountable) Human society, particularly civil society.
A hermit doesn't much care for civilization.
I'm glad to be back in civilization after a day with that rowdy family.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Society
(countable) A group of people who meet from time to time to engage in a common interest; an association or organization.
It was then that they decided to found a society of didgeridoo-playing unicyclists.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
The act or process of civilizing or becoming civilized.
The teacher's civilization of the child was no easy task.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
(countable) The sum total of all voluntary interrelations between individuals.
The gap between Western and Eastern societies seems to be narrowing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
The state or quality of being civilized.
He was a man of great civilization.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
(uncountable) The people of one’s country or community taken as a whole.
Our global society develops in fits and starts.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
(uncountable) High society.
Smith was first introduced into society at the Duchess of Grand Fenwick's annual rose garden party.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
Collectively, those people of the world considered to have a high standard of behavior and / or a high level of development. Commonly subjectively used by people of one society to exclusively refer to their society, or their elite sub-group, or a few associated societies, implying all others, in time or geography or status, as something less than civilised, as savages or barbarians. cf refinement, elitism, civilised society, the Civilised World
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
A number of people joined by mutual consent to deliberate, determine and act toward a common goal.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
The act of civilizing, or the state of being civilized; national culture; refinement.
Our manners, our civilization, and all the good things connected with manners, and with civilization, have, in this European world of ours, depended for ages upon two principles - . . . the spirit of a gentleman, and spirit of religion.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company.
There is society where none intrudesBy the deep sea, and music in its roar.
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
Connection; participation; partnership.
The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations);
the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization
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◉Society
A number of persons associated for any temporary or permanent object; an association for mutual or joint usefulness, pleasure, or profit; a social union; a partnership; as, a missionary society.
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◉Society
The persons, collectively considered, who live in any region or at any period; any community of individuals who are united together by a common bond of nearness or intercourse; those who recognize each other as associates, friends, and acquaintances.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
a particular society at a particular time and place;
early Mayan civilization
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◉Society
Specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community in its social relations and influences; those who mutually give receive formal entertainments.
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May 03, 2023
◉Civilization
the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste;
a man of intellectual refinement
he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
a formal association of people with similar interests;
he joined a golf club
they formed a small lunch society
men from the fraternal order will staff the soup kitchen today
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
the state of being with someone;
he missed their company
he enjoyed the society of his friends
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May 03, 2023
◉Society
A community of people living together in an organized way.
Modern society faces challenges like climate change.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Civilization vs. Society Frequently Asked Questions
Can a society be part of a civilization?
Yes, a civilization can consist of multiple societies.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Does every society become a civilization?
No, not every society reaches the advanced stage termed as civilization.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
How is society primarily defined?
Society is defined as a community of people sharing common territory and culture.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
How does society differ in terms of scale?
Society is more localized compared to the broader scope of civilization.
William
Sep 25, 2023
What does civilization often indicate?
Civilization often indicates advanced stages of human development and organization.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is civilization always urban?
While many civilizations have urban centers, it's not a strict criterion for being termed a civilization.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
Which term, civilization or society, emphasizes human interactions more?
Society emphasizes human interactions and communal living more than civilization.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
Can societies exist without forming a civilization?
Yes, societies can exist independently without forming or being part of a civilization.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
What are the hallmarks of civilization?
Advanced governance, arts, science, and urban development are hallmarks of civilization.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
Why is the study of both civilization and society crucial?
Studying both terms helps understand human history, development, social organization, and interactions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Content Creators
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
