The definition of social system is a system that consists of social elements. Social elements are made up of social actions done by individuals who interact one to another. In social system, there are individuals who interact and socialize so it creates social relationships.
The elements of social system
According to Selo Soemardjan referring to Loomis’s opinion, social system should consist of nine elements.
a. Trust and Knowledge
Trust and knowledge are the most important elements in social system because the behavior of community members is strongly influenced by what they believe and what they know about the truth, religious system, and ways of worship of the creator.
b. Feeling
Feeling is human’s soul condition with respect to situation of the surrounding nature including human beings.
c. Purpose
Every human’s action has purpose to be achieved.
d. Norm / rule / Social Regulation
Norms are guidelines about the expected or inappropriate behavior according to the group or community.
e. Status and Role
Status is one's position in society in general with respect to others, in the sense of milieu, achievements, rights, and obligations.
f. Level / rank
Rank is associated with a person's position and role in society. A person with a certain rank means having a proportion of rights and obligations.
g. Power
Power is every ability to influence others. If a person is recognized by the surrounding community, that is called authority.
h. Sanction
Sanction is a form of reward given to a person for his behavior. Sanction can be a gift and can also be a punishment.
i. Facility
Facility is all forms of ways, methods, objects used by humans to create a social system purpose itself.
Source:
Selo soemardjan. 1991. Flower of Sociology. Faculty of Economics UI
