What Makes an Ideal Society?

Throughout this class you will explore the concept and components of an ideal society. During this first module
you will explore what makes an ideal society, as well as compare the differences between today’s society and
an ideal society.
Think about it! There are certainly differences between today’s society and an ideal one. We can use marriage
as an example. In the United States, people ideally marry for love; however, in reality, people marry for a
number of other reasons (e.g., money, convenience, social status, etc.). Our reality does not always match up
with our ideals.
What are the key components of an ideal society? What do theories in the field of sociology say about how we
should live our lives? This first module will lay the foundation for your views of an ideal society.
What Makes an Ideal Society?
You should spend approximately 8.75 hours on this assignment.
Instructions
You are going to start to generate your ideas for an ideal society. Your paper will cover three sections: key
components, theory, and the people.
Project Sections (Be sure to address the following questions in each section.)
Key Components:
What is sociology?
What are the key components of a society per the field of sociology?
What are the main components of an ideal (stated) society and real (practiced) society? Simply stated, in what
ways does society project how people should live, and how do people actually live? Please see the example in
the overview regarding marriage.
Theory and Research:
How can the theories and research from the field explain what an ideal society is and assist with developing a
healthy society?
Comte, Spencer, and Marx held different perspectives regarding society. Which of these perspectives fit an
ideal society? Which of them fit a real society? How?