CLOSED SOCIETY Meaning and
Definition
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A closed society is a concept used in sociology and political science to describe a society that restricts or limits the freedom and movement of its members, often by imposing stringent regulations and controls on various aspects of life. In a closed society, the government or ruling authority possesses substantial power to dictate and regulate social and cultural practices, ensuring conformity and limiting dissent.
This type of society is characterized by a lack of transparency, where information and knowledge are tightly controlled and censorship is prevalent. Access to external media sources and communication networks may be restricted, with the authorities exerting strict control over the flow of information. Closed societies often exhibit a high degree of surveillance, with citizens being closely monitored, giving rise to a climate of suspicion and fear.
Closed societies tend to suppress individual liberties and civil rights, severely limiting freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Opposition groups and independent organizations are typically repressed, or even banned, as the ruling authority aims to eliminate potential challenges to its power. Social mobility and economic opportunities may be limited, and social divisions can be significant, with power and wealth concentrated in the hands of a few.
Historically, closed societies have been associated with authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, where the ruling elite hold absolute control over the state apparatus. Examples of closed societies include North Korea, China during the Cultural Revolution, and the former Soviet Union under Stalin. However, the term can also be applied to certain religious or cultural groups within otherwise open democratic societies, where strict social norms and practices restrict individual freedoms within the group.
Common Misspellings for CLOSED SOCIETY
- xlosed society
- vlosed society
- flosed society
- dlosed society
- ckosed society
- cposed society
- coosed society
- clised society
- clksed society
- cllsed society
- clpsed society
- cl0sed society
- cl9sed society
- cloaed society
- clozed society
- cloxed society
- cloded society
- cloeed society
- clowed society
- closwd society
Etymology of CLOSED SOCIETY
The word "closed society" is a compound term that originates from the combination of the words "closed" and "society".
The term "closed" comes from the Old English word "clōs", which means "to shut" or "to close off". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "klusiz", meaning "closed" or "shut". Over time, the word "closed" has maintained its meaning of being obstructed or shut off from outside influences.
The word "society" stems from the Latin word "societas", which implies a group or community of individuals living together in a unified manner, sharing customs and culture. The word can be traced back to the Latin verb "sociare", meaning "to share" or "to unite".
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