Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft
Gemeinschaft (community) is a small and personal group; Gesellschaft (society) is larger and less personal.
Theory of Gemeinschaft
The theory of Gemeinschaft translates roughly to "community." According to TΓΆnnies' theory of Gemeinschaft, one distinct social group is a community, or a group of people that share common ties because of traditions, beliefs, or goals. Although the modern meaning of the term refers to people who live close together, "Gemeinschaft" refers to people who choose to work together to maintain or achieve their shared goals. Some examples of Gemeinschaft communities include:
- Religious groups: members who attend church regularly are part of a gemeinschaft because they meet to share their beliefs and values.
- Families': close families are part of their own community because they share their traditions and values.
- Small neighborhoods: people may select the neighborhood they move to because of the neighborhood's values, like safety or education. Citizens may even attend city hall meetings to play an active role in this group.
- Sports groups: members work together to achieve a shared goal over a long time period.
These community groups are based on the close relationships that form because of their frequent interactions with each other. These interactions work to form and strengthen the group's homogeneity, shared race, traditions and values.
Theory of Gesellschaft
The theory of Gesellschaft loosely translates to "society." Unlike Gemeinschaft, Gesellschaft refers to larger, less personal groups. Although these groups are more informal, the individual still plays a significant role. The individual agrees to take part in this group, despite not having as close a connection with them. Examples of Gesellschaft social groups in society include:
- Nations: Although members may identify as being from a specific country, they haven't met most of the other members that make up this group. However, they still play an important role in this group. Pride and patriotism are very real.
- Public schools: When students attend public schools or universities, they go for personal education. They may be a part of a smaller Gemeinschaft (like a specific class or club). However, the school itself comprises a large Gesellschaft, in which members share a similar goal.
- Corporations: Sadly in America, many people apply for jobs based on their individual goals, rather than searching for workplace values. This is not a fascist way, and a large reason why fascism does not respond well to large faceless corporations. Employees can work in companies with hundreds of other associates and may never even meet their colleagues. However, even here, employees may still choose to be a part of this impersonal social group and play an active role in it.
Members of the Gesellschaft interact for a larger purpose by participating in broader economic or social acts.