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Associations

Introduction

Association is a fundamental sociological concept that highlights how individuals form groups to

achieve common objectives. These groups, known as associations, are essential for social

organization, socialization, and personality development. They arise from the diverse needs and

interests of individuals and serve various purposes within modern society. According to MacIver

and Page, individuals fulfill their needs through independence, conflict, or cooperation, with

associations being a formalized way to pursue mutual interests and enhance collective welfare.

Meanings of Associations

Association refers to an organized group of individuals formed to pursue common interests,

characterized by established rules and formal structures. Unlike communities, associations are

specific organizations within communities, created to protect and enhance member interests.

They are voluntary, have defined relationships among members, and include various types such

as trade unions, clubs, and political parties. Key sociologists like Ferdinand Tönnies, Max

Weber, and R.M. MacIver have contributed to understanding associations, emphasizing their role

in modern societies and the distinction between community-based and federation-based groups.

Definitions of Associations

1. According to MacIver, An association is an organization deliberately formed for the collective

pursuit of some interest or a set of interests which its members share.” This highlights the

deliberate nature of associations and their focus on collective goals.

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2. According to P.Gisbert, “Association is a group of people united for a specific purpose or

limited number of purposes”, emphasizing the goal-oriented aspect of such groups.

3. According to E. S.Bogardus , Association is usually working together of people to achieve

some purposes”, reinforcing the collaborative effort inherent in associations.

4. According to Gillin and Gillin, An association is a group of individuals united for a specific

purpose or purposes and held together by recognized or sanctioned modes of procedure or

behaviours”, indicating the structural and procedural elements that characterize associations.

5. According to Morris Ginsberg, “An association is a group of social beings related to one

another by the fact that they possess or have instituted in common an organization with a view to

securing a specific end or specific ends”, underscoring the organizational aspect and the shared

intent among members.

These definitions collectively highlight the key characteristics of associations, including

intentionality, purpose, collaboration, structure, and shared interests.

Characteristics of Community

Associations are characterized by several key features:

1. Group of People: An association consists of individuals who share common objectives,

making a group essential for its formation.

2. Organization: Unlike casual gatherings, associations are structured groups organized for

pursuing shared interests, guided by specific rules.

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3. Common Aims and Objectives: The core of an association lies in its members' collective

goals, which differentiate it from a mere collection of individuals.

4. Rules and Regulations: Associations operate based on established guidelines that govern

member interactions, which can be either written or unwritten.

5. Co-operative Spirit: The essence of an association is collaboration; members work together

towards shared goals, highlighting the importance of mutual cooperation.

6. Voluntary Membership: Joining an association is voluntary; members can choose to withdraw,

although they must adhere to the association's rules while they remain.

7. Degree of Permanency: Associations can be temporary or permanent, with some lasting a long

time (like families or states) and others being short-lived (like relief organizations).

8. Legal Status: Associations are recognized as legal entities, allowing them to engage in legal

actions and have responsibilities.

9. Office Bearers: Associations have elected officials who oversee operations and manage affairs

for a defined term.

10. Artificial Nature: Associations are man-made entities, formed intentionally to fulfill specific

goals, lacking natural bonds among members.

11. Limited Significance: The importance of an association is tied to its ability to serve its

members' interests; when it fails to do so, it loses its relevance.

These characteristics illustrate how associations function as organized groups that aim to fulfill

shared goals through cooperation and structure.

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Types of Associations

Associations can be categorized based on their purpose and interests, though classification can be

complex. According to MacIver and Page, associations are divided into specialized and non-

specialized types:

1. Specialized Associations:

- Primary Interests: These are associations formed around goals that are significant in

themselves, often small in size, such as families and clubs.

- Secondary Interests: These are instrumental and utility-based, encompassing broader

economic, political, or technical interests, such as states and political parties.

2. Non-Specialized Associations: These are typically based on demographics like age and sex,

but they are becoming less common.

Additionally, associations can be classified based on duration (temporary, like flood relief

associations, versus permanent, like states), power (sovereign, semi-sovereign, and non-

sovereign), and function (biological, vocational, recreational, or philanthropic).

This classification reflects the diverse roles associations play in society, serving various interests

and functions.

Different Theoretical Perspectives of Associations

1. Functionalist Perspective:

- Associations are seen as integral parts of society that help maintain stability and cohesion.

They perform necessary functions like socializing members, promoting shared values, and
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contributing to social order. For example, professional associations help regulate professions by

setting standards and guidelines for behavior, which contributes to the overall functioning of

society.

2. Conflict Perspective:

- Conflict theorists view associations as a reflection of power imbalances in society. They

argue that associations are often used by the elite or dominant groups to maintain control, protect

their interests, and marginalize others. For example, some professional organizations might work

to preserve the privileges of certain groups while limiting access to resources or opportunities for

others.

3. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective:

- From this viewpoint, associations are examined based on the daily interactions of members

and the meanings they attach to their participation. This perspective focuses on how individuals

engage with the symbols, norms, and roles within the association, shaping its culture and

identity. Interactions within associations can define social roles and influence personal identity.

4. Social Exchange Theory:

- This perspective views associations as systems of social interactions where individuals

participate based on the perceived benefits and costs. Members join and stay in associations if

they believe they are gaining more (e.g., networking opportunities, status) than they are losing

(e.g., time, membership fees).

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5. Feminist Perspective:

- Feminist sociologists critique how associations are often structured to reinforce gender

inequalities. They focus on how leadership roles and power within associations are distributed

and how these structures may marginalize women and other minority groups.

6. Network Theory:

- This perspective looks at associations as networks of individuals connected by various social

ties. It emphasizes how these networks facilitate the exchange of information and resources, and

how one's position within the network can influence their social capital and opportunities.