Page 8 - Social Studies 7

Lesson Origin of Society and Its Development
1.1

Between 1960 and 2010 AD, the world population rose
FACTS from 3 billion to 6.8 billion. In other words there has been
to Understand more growth in population in the last fifty years than the
previous 2 million years that humans have existed.

Evolution of Society

The relation between human and society is very close. Society does not exist
independently without individuals. Man needs society for his existence and
survival. Man is biologically and psychologically equipped to live in groups, in
society. Thus, man is a social animal. The ultimate goal of society is to promote
good and happy life for its individual. It is in the society that an individuals
surrounded and encompassed by culture as a societal force. The relation between
two depended upon one fact that the individual and the society are mutually
dependent, one exists with the help of the others. Long ago, Aristotle expressed
‘Man is essentially a social animal by nature’. He cannot live without a society.
If he does so, he is either a beast or God. Man has to live in society for his
existences and welfare. Man can never develop his personality, language, culture
and "inner deep" by living outside the society. Hence, there exists a great deal
of close relationships between man and society. Both are closely inter-related,
interconnected and inter-dependent.

In the beginning, human society was very simple. People used to live in the forest
in small groups and some alone as well. They used to depend on animals, fruits,
roots for food. They lived in caves or under the trees like animals. Gradually,
they started rearing animals and cultivating crops. They also made shelter which
became their permanent place to stay. In this way they improved their living
standard. They also helped each other and lived in large groups. Now, the life has
become easier and more comfortable. Thus, it is how society got originated.
Society was developed through different
stages. The stages are briefly described below:

A. Stone Age

In this age people used to live a primitive
life by hunting animals and gathering food.
They used to live in caves and under the tree.
Life was very difficult and full of trouble as it
was the first stage.
stone age

Dynamic Social Studies and Population Education - Book VII 8