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. . . But as Americans, in general, people live a way of life that is defined by personal wants and needs. In American culture everyone has the opportunity to better themselves, receive an education, and pursue happiness. Society in America is also explained by the government that allows this way of life to take place. The democratic institution of America allows people to elect their leaders and have freedom of choice, and freedom of speech. Society in America is defined by Individualism. This is a rather simplistic break-down of a very complex form of government. It is broken down into the major points on which it stands; as to show a comparison to a very different form of government.

Other nations, such as the former USSR, had a very different culture, based on an almost opposite belief system. The former soviets were free to live as they pleased in a different way. Instead of doing so as the Americans and focusing on individualism, the Soviets pushed towards making everyone the same, in doing so, attempting to make everyone socially and economically equal. Citizens in the USSR had fewer freedoms then those of America, but also had a greater sense of security of public standing. This helped define society in the former USSR in the form of collectivism. This is also a very simple break-down of a very intricate and complicated government.

Another form of society, still considered nations but not defined as strictly by location, were the indigenous people of the United States. Many Native American tribes were nomadic, and followed their food source whenever it migrated. Their culture also had distinct views on how to live and religion. The goal of these nomadic Indian tribes was very clear and easy to see, survival. It was the driving force which held the tribes together. They also had established governments, and rules which by the lived. The leaders were usually chosen in a more primitive manner, by usually being the biggest or strongest person in the group.

Society, as seen in the examples, has many different models. It is more easily defined as a group, or groups of individuals, living together in a manner that is intended to further their existence. The examples given have very distinct differences in way of governing, but there are also similarities that show through in all of them. One such example is how they are both gatherings of people that live together for specific purposes. Society is a broad term for explaining the state in which people live or interact with each other. There are different forms of governments and types of civilizations, many of which are built on completely different beliefs, but they all share the same basic principle of continuing their existence through one another.

Almost all societies have a differing form of government. Government, country, and geographical location are often major defining points in what differentiates societies from one another. They are easily seen as the most obvious differences in the modern world. Societies are often labeled by the corresponding title in one of these three categories due to the simplicity and importance of proximity of different cultures.

Are there other societies that do not involve people? There are many animals that live together for various reasons, such as; protection in numbers, mates, and hunting in groups. Many animals live together in a way that is beneficial them, and increase their ability to survive. This is not an example of society however, society pertains to self-perpetuating humans.

A society can also be a group of people who all share common interests, professions, or who just enjoy certain activities; for example an actors society, or a poets society. To be considered a society, it is not necessary to be nation or community; it can be as simple as a brotherhood or sisterhood. Government does not need to play a major role in such groups, they work within themselves to share common interest, pass on knowledge, and carry on a certain practice or activity. A certain set of rules still apply to the order of what is necessary to be part of such a group, and how to continue to be apart of it. An example of this would be meeting together to share their ideas or going out and taking place in the activity that has bound the group of people together.

Society is simply people living together furthering their existence. It is not bound to any form of government or way of life. Societies come in many different forms; all of witch though share the same purpose one way or another. A society must consist of people though, living under a common creed sharing similar goals.

~Daniel M.

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