According to one of the most popular classifications, the following types of society are distinguished: traditional, industrial, post-industrial. The traditional species is at the very first stage of the development of society and is characterized by a number of specific features.
Instructions
Step 1
The vital activity of a traditional society is based on subsistence (agriculture) farming with the use of extensive technologies, as well as primitive handicrafts. Such a social structure is typical for the period of antiquity and the era of the Middle Ages. It is believed that any society that existed in the period from the primitive community up to the beginning of the industrial revolution belongs to the traditional type.
Step 2
During this period, hand tools were used. Their improvement and modernization took place at an extremely slow, almost imperceptible pace of natural evolution. The economic system was based on the use of natural resources; it was dominated by agriculture, mining, trade, and construction. People were mostly sedentary.
Step 3
The social system of a traditional society is class-corporate. It is characterized by stability that has been maintained for centuries. There are several different classes that do not change over time, maintaining the unchanged nature of life and static. Many traditional societies are either not inherent in commodity relations at all, or are so poorly developed that they are focused only on meeting the needs of small representatives of the social elite.
Step 4
Traditional society has the following features. It is characterized by the total domination of religion in the spiritual sphere. Human life is considered to be the fulfillment of God's providence. The most important quality of a member of such a society is the spirit of collectivism, a sense of belonging to one's family and class, as well as a close connection with the land where he was born. Individualism is not characteristic of people during this period. Spiritual life for them was more important than material wealth.
Step 5
The rules of coexistence with neighbors, life in a team, attitude to power were determined by well-established traditions. A person acquired his status already at birth. The social structure was interpreted only from the point of view of religion, and therefore the role of government in society was explained to the people as a divine destiny. The head of state enjoyed indisputable authority and played a vital role in the life of society.
Step 6
The traditional society is demographically characterized by a high birth rate, high mortality and a fairly low life expectancy. Examples of this type today are the structures of many countries of North-East and North Africa (Algeria, Ethiopia), South-East Asia (in particular, Vietnam). In Russia, this type of society existed until the middle of the 19th century. Despite this, by the beginning of the new century, it was one of the most influential and large countries in the world, it had the status of a great power.
Step 7
The main spiritual values that distinguish traditional society are the culture and customs of their ancestors. Cultural life was predominantly focused on the past: respect for their ancestors, admiration for the works and monuments of previous eras. Culture is characterized by homogeneity (homogeneity), an orientation towards its own traditions and a rather categorical rejection of the cultures of other peoples.
Step 8
According to many researchers, traditional society is characterized by a lack of spiritual and cultural choice. The dominant worldview in such a society and stable traditions provide a person with a ready-made and clear system of spiritual guidelines and values. Therefore, the world around him seems understandable to a person, not causing unnecessary questions.
