One can distinguish between various types of political systems, including uncentralized (bands and tribes) and centralized systems (chiefdoms and states). Each of these political systems has its own political and social order. According to Trondal (2020), a political order “consists of a relatively stable arrangement of institutions that are fairly formalized and institutionalized” (p. 121). The definition of a social order includes such concepts as social relations, social structures and establishments, social connections, beliefs, standards, and morals of a particular culture (Cole, 2019). Both types of order are formed with the help of power: more powerful institutions control less powerful ones, create laws and rules, and ensure that people adhere to these laws.
Social and political order can be maintained in different ways. For instance, wearing a mask and social distancing became both political and social issues in the United States. According to Kahane (2021), health officials and the government of the USA urge people to wear masks and keep their distance when they are in public places to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain order in society. Another example of maintaining social order is a security check. If a person wants to withdraw money from their bank account, they have to come through a security check procedure to confirm their identity. This process allows people to prevent fraud, preserving order in society.
Different societies have diverse opinions about the notion of social order. For example, conservative societies emphasize tight laws and regulations while liberal societies tend to be looser in their collective concerns (Janoff-Bulman & Carnes, 2016). Those societies that practice both tightness and looseness are more successful in keeping social and political order (Janoff-Bulman & Carnes, 2016). If people and their government feel responsible for maintaining order, they will act accordingly to keep it. However, if governmental institutions use power and force people to obey, social and political order will be disrupted.
References
Cole, N. L. (2019). What is social order in sociology? ThoughtCo. Web.
Janoff-Bulman, R., & Carnes, N. C. (2016). Social justice and social order: Binding moralities across the political spectrum. PLoS One, 11(3), 1-18. Web.
Kahane, L. H. (2021). Politicizing the mask: Political, economic, and demographic factors affecting mask wearing behavior in the USA. Eastern Economic Journal, Web.
Trondal, J. (2020). Public administration and the study of political order: Towards a framework for analysis. Politics and Governance, 8(4), 120-130. Web.