A physical system is a group of physical parts that work together to perform a task.
A social system is a group of people or other organisms joining together to perform tasks and establish relationships.
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Physical systems refer to systems that operate based on natural laws and principles, such as the laws of physics and chemistry. Social systems, on the other hand, refer to systems that involve human behavior, interactions, and relationships, where rules and norms are established by society. Physical systems are typically more deterministic and predictable, while social systems are often more complex and subject to change.
Both physical and social systems exhibit complex behaviors and interactions among their components. They both can be influenced by feedback loops and exhibit emergent properties that cannot be determined by studying individual components in isolation. Additionally, both types of systems can be understood and modeled using concepts from systems theory.
Social infrastructure refers to systems, structures, and facilities that support social well-being and quality of life, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers. Physical infrastructure, on the other hand, consists of tangible assets like roads, bridges, and utilities that facilitate the functioning of a society and its economy. Social infrastructure focuses on human services and community development, while physical infrastructure supports transportation, communication, and utilities.
Social classes and social castes are both systems of stratification within a society based on social and economic differences. The main difference is that social class is more fluid and allows for some mobility between classes, while social caste is rigid and individuals are born into their caste and have limited opportunity for social mobility. Both systems impact an individual's access to resources, opportunities, and social status within society.
In Social Studies, movement refers to the physical and non-physical exchange of people, goods, ideas, and cultures across regions or countries. It may involve migration, trade networks, communication systems, or the spread of ideologies, shaping social, political, and economic interactions between societies.
Robert K. Merton was the US sociologist who introduced the concepts of manifest functions (intended consequences) and latent functions (unintended consequences) of social patterns in his work on the structure and dynamics of social systems.