noun
- a type of social organization characterized by impersonal relationships, individual self-interest, and formal contracts, typically found in modern urban societies
Usage: sociology; contrasted with gemeinschaft
Examples
- The sociologist studied the transition from gemeinschaft to gesellschaft in industrializing nations.
- Urban areas typically exhibit gesellschaft characteristics with their formal institutions.
- In a gesellschaft, people interact based on roles rather than personal relationships.
- The concept of gesellschaft helps explain modern social structures.
- Business relationships in the city reflected gesellschaft principles.
- Max Weber’s work explored the shift toward gesellschaft in modern society.