What do you mean by Social Process ?

Meaning of Social Process :

1. Society is an aggregation of a number of individuals. They are interrelated with one another through a network of social relations.

2. A person has to play different roles with a number of persons according to his different social position in the society. For instance, a person may play roles as a father, husband, son, grandson, grandfather, employee of an organisation, members of a club, political party, religious group etc. Through these different roles he comes in contact with several peoples who in turn interact with him. This situation gives rise to a process known as integration.

3. As interaction takes place within a social environment, it can be called a social process. Paul B. Horton and Chester L. Hunt (1972) define the term social processes as ‘repetitive interaction pattern of behaviour which are commonly found in social life.’

4. Interaction goes on continuously in the society as ongoing process. Social and culture themselves are the products of social interactions. The following four aspects are important for social integration :

(i) Social contracts are a pre-requisite of interaction.

(ii) Communication is the medium of interactions.

(iii) The different ways or modes in which social forces operate influence the types of interaction, and

(iv) Social interaction always occurs within a social structure.

5. Both physical proximity and mental contact are essential for interaction. Exchange of meaningful responses is a significant aspect of interaction. Contact is possible through communication between the individuals and the groups. There are may be several means of communication.

Talks, discussion, gossips and cultural activities etc. are the means of communication in the less developed societies.

6. Radio talk, drama, cinema, transport and newspapers are the means of communication in developed societies. Even though social interaction is an ongoing process. It is not always smooth and integrative. Both integrative and disintegrative forces may operate at the same time in social interaction.

7. The integrative force manifest themselves through co-operation and equilibrium whereas the disintegrative forces are usually manifested through competition and conflict. These are different factors which influence the interaction processes in society but heredity influences and cultural influences are the most vital forces among them.