A society is a self-reproducing grouping of individuals occupying a particular territory, which may have its own distinctive culture and institutions. As culture is generally considered unique to humans, the terms "society" and "human society" have the same meaning. "Society," may refer to a particular people, such as the Nuer, to a nation state, such as Austria, or to a broader cultural group, such as Western society.

Origin and usage

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The English word society emerged in the 15th century and is derived from the French société. The French word, in turn, had its origin in the Latin societas, a "friendly association with others," from socius meaning "companion, associate, comrade or business partner." Thus the meaning of society is closely related to what is considered to be social. Implicit in the meaning of society is that its members share some mutual concern or interest, a common objective or common characteristics. As such, society is often used to mean the collective citizenry of a country as directed through national institutions concerned with civic welfare.

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Politics

Lugar's Last Race: Indiana Senator Doesn't Take Defeat Sitting Down
Wed, 16 May 2012 17:11:00 -0400
Sen. Dick Lugar has been running in the annual Capital Challenge charity race for three decades. After Lugar's defeat in the Indiana primary, Wednesday's race was the last for the 80-year-old. "I have been so fortunate to have these 31 great years in good health and spirits," he said.
Obama, Romney Wade Into Wis. Recall Fervor
Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 -0400
Wisconsin's Republican governor, Scott Walker, will face Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett next month in a recall election. President Obama has expressed support for Barrett, just as his Republican rival Mitt Romney is supporting Walker, who is a hero to many conservatives. But both President Obama and Romney face a choice over how deeply involved they should be in the recall election. Neither man wants the contest to become a referendum on their candidacies.
Defense Rests In John Edwards Trial
Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 -0400
The defense in the John Edwards trial rested on Wednesday. Attorneys for the former presidential candidate and vice presidential nominee did not call Edwards, his daughter or Rielle Hunter, the woman he had an affair with and who bore his child. Edwards is accused of skirting federal campaign finance laws by accepting secret payments to cover up the affair and further his political ambitions. North Carolina Public Radio's Jeff Tiberii speaks with Melissa Block from Greensboro, N.C.

The Talk of the Town

Tad Friend: Dustin Lance Black on making “Virginia.”
Tad Friend Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 -0000
8220;All Southern literature,” the mother of the writer Pat Conroy once told him, “can be summed up in these words: ‘On the night the hogs ate Willie, Mama died when she heard what Daddy did to Sister.’ ” This week, the writer-director Dustin Lance . . . (Subscription required.)
Reeves Wiedeman: Singing the national anthem at Yankee Stadium.
Reeves Wiedeman Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 -0000
8220;The Star-Spangled Banner” is a notoriously difficult song to sing. It kicks off with a low note, then builds to a high one. Most pop songs span less than an octave, but the national anthem boomerangs through an octave and a half. Vowels are especially tricky, so . . . (Subscription required.)
Margaret Talbot: Obama, gay marriage, and historical inevitability.
Margaret Talbot Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 -0000
One day, not long from now, it will be hard to remember what worried people so much about gay and lesbian couples committing themselves to marriage. And, when that day comes, President Obama’s remarks last week about how, “personally,” it was “important for me to . . .

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