Since emergence of sociology the scientists try to describe society as a social system, having allocated in it the necessary making elements. However really big step in this direction of researches managed to be taken only after creation of the general theory of systems.
Instruction
1. According to the general theory of systems, the simple interrelation of elements is not enough. Their set has to create something new, original and unique. In society this sign is traced most brightly. All its elements directly and indirectly interact among themselves, forming thereby social structure with special, distinctive features. In fact, each subsystem of society – a separate system which also consists from a set of subtotals.
2. The relations in this hierarchy are that that they can interact with each other spontaneously, without being guided by anything. Society is completely autonomous and does not depend on will of the subjects entering it. Because of it there is a number of problems: how to connect absolutely spontaneous actions of individuals and predictable behavior of a system? Whether the individual is capable to realize consequences of the acts which during consecutive interrelations can bring the return result? At the moment the solution of these tasks is some of key in sociology.
3. The relations of society and the environment – one more strong indication. For any system the environment constitutes potential danger as it can make changes which involve radical change of structure and destruction. In society similar dynamics is also traced: natural cataclysms, dangerous animals, diseases and so on. However all elements constantly work for the sake of preservation of life.
4. The system can reproduce itself. Thus full activity is carried out. This sign is present at society. And the mechanism of self-reproduction occurs without conscious participation of elements. Besides birth, in society there is a socialization stage, that is painless entry into a system, assimilation of its rules and the previous experience.
5. Also refer ability to integrate into themselves new formations to number of strong indications of a system. The new elements appearing in society immediately find logical interrelation with all others. There is an adaptation designed to improve or secure the existing order of things. This fact is explained by a set of revolutions which took place during various eras.
6. Besides society, as well as any other system, consists of a set of levels. The first level are social roles which set structure of interrelations. The second level – social institutes and communities. The third level – the complex, steady organization.