Easy Sociology
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now
No Result
View All Result
Easy Sociology
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now
No Result
View All Result
Easy Sociology
No Result
View All Result

Folk Society: An Overview

Easy Sociology by Easy Sociology
July 2, 2024
in General Sociology
Home General Sociology
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on RedditShare on Telegram

Table of Contents

  • Defining Folk Society
  • Characteristics of Folk Society
  • Theoretical Perspectives on Folk Society
  • Case Studies of Folk Societies
  • The Evolution of Folk Societies
  • Relevance of Folk Society in Contemporary Sociology
  • Conclusion

Folk society, often depicted as the antithesis of modern industrial society, plays a significant role in sociological theory and analysis. It is characterized by its traditional, agrarian, and relatively homogenous nature. The concept of folk society, developed and popularized by sociologists and anthropologists, helps us understand the foundations of human social organization and the evolution of societies through time. This essay outlines and explains the concept of folk society, its characteristics, and its place within sociological discourse.

Defining Folk Society

Historical Context

The term “folk society” originated in the early 20th century and has been used primarily to describe pre-industrial, agrarian communities. It was coined by sociologist Robert Redfield, who studied small, self-sufficient rural communities. These societies are seen as the remnants of a historical stage that existed before the advent of industrialization and urbanization.

Conceptual Framework

Folk society is conceptualized as a social organization characterized by a homogenous culture, simple technology, and a strong emphasis on tradition. It is a way of life that is deeply rooted in the past, where customs and practices are handed down from generation to generation, maintaining a high level of continuity and stability.

Characteristics of Folk Society

Social Structure

Folk societies typically have a simple social structure with limited social stratification. Social roles are clearly defined and largely based on kinship and family ties. The extended family is often the primary unit of social organization, and community members share a common identity and collective conscience.

Kinship and Family

In folk societies, kinship and family relationships form the backbone of social life. Extended families often live together or in close proximity, and familial bonds are integral to social cohesion. The roles within the family are well-defined, with a clear division of labor based on gender and age.

Economy and Subsistence

The economy of a folk society is primarily subsistence-based, relying on agriculture, hunting, gathering, or fishing. Economic activities are often communal, with resources shared among community members. There is minimal specialization of labor, and the majority of the population engages in similar economic activities.

Religion and Belief Systems

Religion in folk societies is typically animistic or polytheistic, with a strong emphasis on rituals and ceremonies. Religious beliefs are deeply intertwined with daily life and are often used to explain natural phenomena and guide social behavior. Shamans or spiritual leaders play a crucial role in maintaining the religious and moral order.

Technology and Material Culture

The technology used in folk societies is generally simple and based on traditional methods. Tools and techniques are passed down through generations and are well-suited to the local environment. Material culture is characterized by handcrafted goods and the use of locally available resources.

Social Control and Norms

Social control in folk societies is maintained through informal mechanisms such as customs, traditions, and social norms. There is a strong emphasis on conformity and community cohesion, with deviance being rare and often dealt with through social ostracism or shaming.

Theoretical Perspectives on Folk Society

Redfield’s Dichotomy

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here
Tags: cultural anthropologyfolk societyRobert Redfieldsociological theorytraditional communities
Easy Sociology

Easy Sociology

Easy Sociology is your go-to resource for clear, accessible, and expert sociological insights. With a foundation built on advanced sociological expertise and a commitment to making complex concepts understandable, Easy Sociology offers high-quality content tailored for students, educators, and enthusiasts. Trusted by readers worldwide, Easy Sociology bridges the gap between academic research and everyday understanding, providing reliable resources for exploring the social world.

Related Articles

An abstract dark red splash against a white and grey background

Types of Determinism

June 13, 2025

Determinism is a foundational concept in the social sciences, deeply influencing theoretical and empirical approaches across sociology. It shapes critical...

A silhouette of a person jumping through the air at sunset and reflected in a body of water

Actionalism: An Outline and Explanation in Sociology

February 27, 2024 - Updated on January 7, 2025

Sociology is a diverse field that encompasses various theories and perspectives to understand human behavior and social phenomena. One such...

Next Post
An abstract DNA like art piece in hues of blue, purple, and yellow

Functional Equivalents in Sociology

A group of friends socialising in a museum

Resocialisation: A Comprehensive Overview

An abstract modern art piece

Late Modernity: An Overview

Please login to join discussion

GET THE LATEST SOCIOLOGY

Get the latest sociology articles direct to you inbox with the Easy Sociology newsletter. (We don't spam or sell your email).

POLL

How Can We Improve Easy Sociology?

Recommended

A UK monarchy castle

The Movement to Abolish the UK Monarchy: An Overview

February 21, 2024 - Updated on May 17, 2024
A person kneeling on the floor in poverty

Understanding Different Types of Deprivation: Material, Social, and Cultural

March 31, 2024 - Updated on May 15, 2024

24 Hour Trending

  • a black punk giving the middle finger - school counter culture

    Understanding Delinquency: Causes, Consequences, and Sociological Theories

    632 shares
    Share 253 Tweet 158
  • The Impact of Gendered Toys on Children’s Development and Identity

    686 shares
    Share 274 Tweet 172
  • The Sociology of Gangs: An Overview

    656 shares
    Share 262 Tweet 164
  • Understanding Collective Representations in Sociology

    61 shares
    Share 24 Tweet 15
  • A Sociological Look At Uneven Development

    69 shares
    Share 28 Tweet 17

Easy Sociology makes sociology as easy as possible. Our aim is to make sociology accessible for everybody.

© 2023 Easy Sociology

No Result
View All Result
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now

© 2025 Easy Sociology

We use information collected through cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our site, analyse how you use it and for marketing purposes.
Privacy Policy

Your privacy settings

We and our partners use information collected through cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our site, analyse how you use it and for marketing purposes. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. In some cases, data obtained from cookies is shared with third parties for analytics or marketing reasons. You can exercise your right to opt-out of that sharing at any time by disabling cookies.
Privacy Policy
Allow all

Manage Consent Preferences

Necessary

Always ON
These cookies and scripts are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, suchas setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block oralert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do notstore any personally identifiable information.

Analytics

These cookies and scripts allow us to count visits and traffic sources, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies and scripts, we will not know when you have visited our site.

Embedded Videos

These cookies and scripts may be set through our site by external video hosting services likeYouTube or Vimeo. They may be used to deliver video content on our website. It’s possible for the video provider to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on this or other websites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies or scripts it is possible that embedded video will not function as expected.

Google Fonts

Google Fonts is a font embedding service library. Google Fonts are stored on Google's CDN. The Google Fonts API is designed to limit the collection, storage, and use of end-user data to only what is needed to serve fonts efficiently. Use of Google Fonts API is unauthenticated. No cookies are sent by website visitors to the Google Fonts API. Requests to the Google Fonts API are made to resource-specific domains, such as fonts.googleapis.com or fonts.gstatic.com. This means your font requests are separate from and don't contain any credentials you send to google.com while using other Google services that are authenticated, such as Gmail.

Marketing

These cookies and scripts may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies and scripts, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Confirm my choices Allow all
×