๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆintro to sociology review

Gesellschaft

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Gesellschaft is a term used in sociology to describe a social group or society that is characterized by impersonal, formal, and indirect relationships, often found in more urban and industrial settings where individual goals are prioritized over collective ones. It contrasts with Gemeinschaft, which describes communities bound by personal and direct social interactions.