Do societies shape people or do people shape societies?

Question

Which one do you think it right?

Answer 1

Neither - people are society we are one and the same thing; the internal external  dynamic is always just in the process of re-shaping.

It is only the time lapse and illusion that makes us think that we are separate from the whole - but for me I think that there is nothing out there that isn't in me and vice versa. I just exhibit some of the extreme end.    

Answer 2

Certainly strong individuals can change society.  Hitler turned Germany into a monster in less than 20 years.  But most people conform to society norms and are therefore shaped by their society.

Which is right?  I don't know that it is a moral problem so right and wrong don't apply.

Answer 3

i think people shape a society to an extent that eventually the society shapes the ppl e.g ppl make an area 'rough' so that living in that area makes you 'rough' if ya know what i mean

Answer 4

I think people shape societies, those that come into power, and then everything falls into place, like a natural process that is bound to happen, it could work both ways, depending wich one gets to you first.

Answer 5

Ryan, this is an interesting question.  Sort of a sociological what came first, the chicken or the egg.  

I think if no society exists, the people shape it.  Once established society would tend to shape the people, or the people would conform to the societal norm.

Answer 6

it goes hand in hand.

peple shape the societies..therefore society shapes others...its a never ending sickening cycle

Answer 7

Well it takes people in order for there to make up a society, so people shape societies, but the economy plays a part as well so i guess you could say both even though i pull more towards the people side. ****, that reminds me, I have Economics homework I should be doing :s Oh well.

This is an awesome question by the way, I love Sociology SO much.

Answer 8

Both.

For example, the educational system, governmental influence, television and music shape the way people think, act and behave. The societal norms are what we grow up trying to belong to, and going against them can wind you up in jail, a social outcast, or odd man out.

Also, people can shape societies. Think of the founding fathers of the United States. They created a whole new way of governing, and to this day, it is changed by people in constitutional amendments, social mandates, and programs like social security. People shape society in different artistic movements, whether it be new kinds of music (think of the first rock and roll, the first rap, etc); and even types of dressing and acting. There are always those who follow the rules and color in the lines of society, and those who march to a different drummer, creating and dreaming and influencing others in changing the world.  

Answer 9

well i think in the beginning people shaped society but now that there are many societies that they shape peoples personalities and ways of life.

Answer 10

People shape societies. not the other way around. Take a deserted island. Is there a society there? No. Put people on it. Viola, society is created and will evolve and change as the people change.