Sociology

Organismic Theory

Herbert Spencer’s Social Thought was largely influenced by Biology, and he was famous for his organic analogy. In his essay, “The Social Organism” (Spencer, 1860, pp. 11-27), Spencer compared human societies to biological organisms. He used this analogy to link biological and social evolution, implying both followed the same processes and direction. Spencer points out certain striking similarities between the individual living organism and society on account of which individual may be regarded as microcosmic society and society as a macrocosmic individual. The theory which tries to understand and explain the social structure on the analogy of human organism is known in sociology as “Organic theory of society” or “Organismic theory of society.”

Similarities Between Individual Organism and Society

1. Both are Different from Inanimate Bodies: 

The first similarity between a living organism and society is their differences from inanimate bodies. None of them is inanimate. In inanimate, there is no growth and development, but on the other hand, there is continuous growth and development in both society and living organisms. Thus on account of their common difference from the inanimate bodies, society and living organisms may be regarded to be similar.

2. In Both Increase in Quantity Leads to Change in Structure: 

The second similarity between society and living organisms is that increase in quantity in both leads to change in their structure. According to Spencer, as there is increase in the quantity of living organisms there is change in its structure. The primitive living organism is a unicellular creature: but with an increase in the cells differentiation of organs results. At the higher levels of evolution, the structure of body becomes quite complex. Similar is the case with society. In the beginning, the structure of society is very simple. At this level, each individual does all the work by himself and there is no differentiation of functions. Each man himself is a craftsman, hunter sculptor, etc. But with the quantitative increase in society the structure of society becomes more and more complex and there is increasing differentiation of functions in society. Like the organs of society, the functions in society become specialized.

3. In Both Change in Structure Leads to Change in Functions: 

With the change in the structure of organs and communities, results in a change in their functions. The functions become more and more specialized. This applies to the body of living creature. With the changes in the structure of organs, there is change in its functions.

4. In Both there is Differentiation as well as Harmony of Organs: 

While it is true that with evolution, there develops greater differentiation in the organs of society as also that of an individual, side by side with this differentiation, there is also harmony between various organs. Each organ is complementary to the other and not opposed. This holds true both in the body of a living organism and in society.

5. Loss of an Organ does not Necessarily Result in the Loss of Organism: 

Society, as well as individuals, is an organism. It is a fact common to both that a loss of some organ does not necessarily result in the death of an organism if one individual loses his hand, it is not necessary that this may result in his death. Similarly, in society, loss of a particular association does not necessarily mean the death of the society.

6. Processes and Methods of Organization are Similar: 

There is another similarity between society and the living organism. According to Spencer, as there are various systems, circulatory systems, etc., similarly there are various systems in the social organism responsible for its deficient functioning. In society, transport, production, and distribution systems fulfill their respective roles. Thus, Spencer has shown similarities between a living organism and society.

Dissimilarities or Differences Between Living Organism and Society 

Spencer was not a one-sided thinker. He was objective in his outlook. According to him, while there are striking similarities between society and a living organism, there are certain crucial differences between the two which cannot be overlooked. These are:

1. The Parts of Body are Incapable of Independent Existence, but Parts of Society can Exist Independently:

Explaining the difference between living organisms and society, Spencer observes that whereas the various organs of the body are incapable of independent existence same is not the case with society. The various parts of society can exist independently. Whereas the limbs of body, like hand, leg, etc., cannot be conceived to exist outside of body there is no such difficulty in conceiving the independent existence of the family, association, etc., apart from society.

2. Difference Regarding Centrality of Consciousness:

There is another difference between society and a living organism. The difference pertains to Consciousness. In a living organism, there is one Centre of consciousness which is conscious of the whole body. There is no separate consciousness and thinking power in the various parts of the body. On the other hand, in society, there is no central consciousness; only individuals possess consciousness.

3. Difference Regarding Dependence of Organs on Organism: 

Both society and individuals are organisms. The organs of society are individual, family, group, etc., and the parts of body are its various organs. According to Spencer, parts of the body are dependent upon the body. Their existence is for the sake of body. On the other hand, in society its parts are more significant than the society. Indeed society exists for the good of its constituents. Spencer was a thinker who had an affinity with individualist philosophy, according to which the state and society exist for the good of the individual and not vice versa.