Political vs. Social — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Political relates to the governance, policies, and affairs of state or organization, often focusing on power dynamics, while social pertains to society, its organizations, and the interactions among its members, emphasizing relationships & cultural noms.
Difference Between Political and Social
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Political concerns itself with the structures and processes of governance, including the activities of governments, political parties, and their interactions within the state and with other entities. It involves the exercise of power, decision-making related to public affairs, and the formulation and implementation of policies. On the other hand, social relates to society at large, encompassing the myriad ways individuals and groups interact, form communities, and construct social norms and cultural practices. Social aspects focus on human behavior, social structures, and the forces that shape societal relations and cultural norms.
While political activities are specifically geared towards governance, authority, and the management of public life, social activities revolve around community life, interpersonal relationships, and the development of social identity and cohesion. For instance, voting in an election or debating a policy issue are political actions, whereas organizing a community event or participating in a social media discussion are social actions.
The political domain is characterized by its focus on power dynamics, legal frameworks, and the pursuit of collective goals or interests, often through structured institutions like governments and NGOs. Conversely, the social domain is marked by its emphasis on collective behavior, social practices, and the evolution of norms and values that guide individual and group interactions. Political processes often seek to regulate or influence social issues through legislation and policy, while social movements and norms can in turn shape political agendas and outcomes.
Political and social spheres are interdependent, with political decisions impacting social structures and norms, and social movements influencing political landscapes. For example, legislation affecting marriage rights reflects political authority responding to social advocacy and changing cultural norms. Similarly, social movements can emerge as a response to political decisions, highlighting the dynamic interplay between these two domains.
Political and social domains are distinct yet interconnected, each playing a critical role in shaping human experience. The political emphasizes governance and power, dealing with the state and its institutions, while the social focuses on societal interactions, norms, and the fabric of community life.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Governance, policy, power dynamics
Society, relationships, cultural norms
Key Activities
Legislation, policy-making, governance
Community building, social interaction, norm development
Main Concerns
Power structures, public affairs, law
Social behavior, group dynamics, cultural practices
Goals
Managing public life, exercising authority
Fostering social cohesion, developing social identities
Influence
Regulates societal issues through legislation and policy
Shapes political landscapes through movements and norms
Compare with Definitions
Political
Concerned with the mechanisms of policymaking and governance.
Political analysts study the effects of legislation on society.
Social
Relating to society and its organization.
Social norms dictate much of our behavior.
Political
Pertaining to the affairs of the government and public policy.
She has always been active in political campaigns.
Social
Involving the study of social dynamics and societal issues.
Social scientists investigate the causes of social change.
Political
Focused on the interactions between states, parties, and power brokers.
International relations are inherently political.
Social
Pertaining to the development and function of communities.
He's doing research on social structures in urban settings.
Political
Relating to the distribution and exercise of power within a society.
Political power often dictates policy directions.
Social
Focused on cultural practices and collective behaviors.
Social events are important for community bonding.
Political
Involving the governance and decision-making processes within a state.
The political climate has shifted dramatically this year.
Social
Concerned with the interactions and relationships among individuals.
Social media has transformed how we communicate.
Political
Of, relating to, or dealing with the structure or affairs of government, politics, or the state
A political system.
Social
Social organisms, including humans, live collectively in interacting populations. This interaction is considered social whether they are aware of it or not, and whether the exchange is voluntary/involuntary.
Political
Relating to, involving, or characteristic of political parties or politicians
A political campaign.
Social
Relating to society or its organization
The social structure of Europe had become more fluid
Alcoholism is recognized as a major social problem
Political
Interested or active in politics
I'm not a very political person.
Social
Needing companionship and therefore best suited to living in communities
We are social beings as well as individuals
Political
Influenced by, based on, or stemming from partisan interests or political ideology
The court should never become a political institution. The attack was a political crime.
Social
(of a bird) gregarious; breeding or nesting in colonies.
Political
Based on or motivated by self-serving interests, especially in attempting to gain power or to please people of a higher rank in an organization
Political maneuvering within the company.
Social
An informal social gathering, especially one organized by the members of a particular club or group
A church social
Political
Indicating national or regional boundaries. Used of maps.
Social
Short for social security
Not everyone's on the social and taking drugs
Political
Concerning or relating to politics, the art and process of governing.
Political principles are rarely absolute, as political logic holds an imperfect result by compromise is better than a theoretically perfect abstention from the political process in the opposition.
Social
Of or relating to human society and its modes of organization
Social classes.
Social problems.
A social issue.
Political
Concerning a polity or its administrative components.
Good political staff is hard to find, they may neither be ambitious and corrupted by power nor tempted by private sector careers.
Social
Of or relating to rank and status in society
Social standing.
Political
(pejorative) Motivated, especially inappropriately, by political (electoral or other party political) calculation.
“The Court invalidates Minnesota’s political apparel ban based on its inability to define the term ‘political'”
Social
Of, relating to, or occupied with matters affecting human welfare
Social programs.
Political
Of or relating to views about social relationships that involve power or authority.
Social
Interacting with other people and living in communities
Humans are social creatures.
Political
(of a person) Interested in politics.
Social
(Biology) Living together in organized groups or similar close aggregates
Ants are social insects.
Political
A political agent or officer.
Social
Inclined to seek out or enjoy the company of others; sociable
He's outgoing and very social.
Political
A publication focusing on politics.
Social
Spent in or marked by friendly relations or companionship
How has your social life been lately?.
Political
Having, or conforming to, a settled system of administration.
Social
Intended for convivial activities
A social club.
Political
Of or pertaining to public policy, or to politics; relating to affairs of state or administration; as, a political writer.
Social
(Linguistics) Of or relating to a variety of a language that is used by a group of people sharing some characteristic, such as ethnicity or income level, and differs in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary from the standard variety.
Political
Of or pertaining to a party, or to parties, in the state; as, his political relations were with the Whigs.
Social
An informal social gathering, as of the members of a church congregation.
Political
Politic; wise; also, artful.
Social
(Informal) A Social Security number.
Political
Involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians;
Calling a meeting is a political act in itself
Political pressure
A political machine
Political office
Political policy
Social
Being extroverted or outgoing.
James is a very social guy; he knows lots of people.
Political
Of or relating to your views about social relationships involving authority or power;
Political opinions
Social
Of or relating to society.
Teresa feels uncomfortable in certain social situations.
Unemployment is a social problem.
Political
Of or relating to the profession of governing;
Political career
Social
(Internet) Relating to social media or social networks.
Social gaming
Social
(rare) Relating to a nation's allies.
Social
Cooperating or growing in groups.
A social insect
Social
A festive gathering to foster introductions.
They organized a social at the dance club to get people to know each other.
Social
(Canadian Prairies) A dance held to raise money, often held for a couple to be married.
Social
Ellipsis of social security
Fred hated going down to the social to sign on.
Social
Ellipsis of social security number
What's your social?
Social
A dinner dance event, usually held annually by a company or sporting club.
Social
(Canada) social studies
Social
Ellipsis of social media
Social
A social media account.
Social
Of or pertaining to society; relating to men living in society, or to the public as an aggregate body; as, social interest or concerns; social pleasure; social benefits; social happiness; social duties.
Social
Ready or disposed to mix in friendly converse; companionable; sociable; as, a social person.
Social
Consisting in union or mutual intercourse.
Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st notSocial communication.
Social
Naturally growing in groups or masses; - said of many individual plants of the same species.
Social
Living in communities consisting of males, females, and neuters, as do ants and most bees.
Social
A party of people assembled to promote sociability and communal activity
Social
Relating to human society and its members;
Social institutions
Societal evolution
Societal forces
Social legislation
Social
Living together or enjoying life in communities or organized groups;
Human beings are social animals
Spent a relaxed social evening
Immature social behavior
Social
Relating to or belonging to or characteristic of high society;
Made fun of her being so social and high-toned
A social gossip colum
The society page
Social
Composed of sociable people or formed for the purpose of sociability;
A purely social club
The church has a large social hall
A social director
Social
(of birds and animals) tending to move or live together in groups or colonies of the same kind;
Ants are social insects
The herding instinct in sheep or cattle
Swarming behavior in bees
Social
Marked by friendly companionship with others;
A social cup of coffee
Common Curiosities
How do political decisions affect social structures?
Political decisions can reshape social structures by altering laws and policies that govern societal behavior and norms.
What distinguishes political actions from social actions?
Political actions are aimed at influencing governance and policy, while social actions focus on community engagement and interpersonal relationships.
Can social movements influence political outcomes?
Yes, social movements can significantly impact political landscapes by advocating for change and influencing public opinion and policy.
Are political and social domains always separate?
While distinct, political and social domains are interconnected, with each influencing and being influenced by the other.
What role do social media play in the political and social spheres?
Social media serves as a platform for both political activism and social interaction, blurring the lines between political and social engagement.
How do governments respond to social issues?
Governments may respond to social issues through legislation, policy initiatives, and public programs designed to address societal concerns.
How do political ideologies affect social relationships?
Political ideologies can influence social relationships by aligning individuals with shared beliefs and values, potentially both uniting and dividing communities.
Can a political issue become a social issue and vice versa?
Yes, political issues often evolve into social issues as they affect individual lives and communities, and social issues can prompt political debate and policy change.
How do cultural norms interact with political policies?
Cultural norms can shape the creation and reception of political policies, while policies can also seek to modify or uphold certain cultural norms.
What is the impact of social norms on political behavior?
Social norms can influence political behavior by shaping individuals' beliefs, actions, and expectations regarding governance and public participation.
How do political leaders use social issues to gain support?
Political leaders often address social issues in their agendas to resonate with voters' values and concerns, seeking to gain support and legitimacy.
What is the role of education in shaping political and social awareness?
Education is fundamental in fostering political and social awareness, equipping individuals with the knowledge to engage critically with societal and governance issues.
What challenges arise in addressing social issues politically?
Addressing social issues politically can present challenges such as ideological divisions, resistance to change, and the complexity of translating social needs into effective policies.
What is the significance of social identity in political mobilization?
Social identity plays a crucial role in political mobilization by rallying individuals around common causes or group affiliations, enhancing collective action.
How do economic factors intersect with political and social domains?
Economic factors underpin many political and social issues, influencing policy decisions, societal inequality, and the distribution of resources.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
