social

a party of people assembled to promote sociability and communal activity relating to human society and its members

"social institutions"

"societal evolution"

"societal forces"

"social legislation" living together or enjoying life in communities or organized groups

"a human being is a social animal"

"mature social behavior" 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" 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" tending to move or live together in groups or colonies of the same kind

"ants are social insects" marked by friendly companionship with others

"a social cup of coffee"

Latin root meaning - The term "social" is derived from the Latin word "socius", which as a noun means "an associate, ally, companion, business partner or comrade" and in the adjectival form socialis refers to "a bond between people" (such as marriage) or to their collective or connected existence.

The Unobservable - Although the term "social" is a crucial category in social science and often used in public discourse, its meaning is often vague, suggesting that it is a fuzzy concept. An added difficulty is that social attributes or relationships may not be directly observable and visible, and must be inferred by abstract thought. Thus the sociologist C. Wright Mills invented the expression "the sociological imagination", which referred to the need to think imaginatively beyond what an individual can empirically observe in order to grasp the social domain in all its dimensions - connecting, for example, "private troubles" and "public issues". A similar point is made in the context of architecture by Ole Bouman and Roemer van Toorn in their pathbreaking work The Invisible in Architecture. General problems concerning the nature of social reality and what (or how) we can know about it are the object of social theory.

Some different definitions - In the absence of agreement about its meaning, the term "social" is used in many different senses, referring among other things to:

attitudes, orientations or behaviours which take the interests, intentions or needs of other people into account (in contrast to anti-social behaviour);

common characteristics of people or descriptions of collectivities (social facts);

relations between people (social relations) generally, or particular associations among people;

interactions between people (social action);

membership of a group of people or inclusion or belonging to a community of people;

co-operation or co-operative characteristics between people;

relations of (mutual) dependence;

the public sector ("social sector") or the need for governance for the good of all, contrasted with the private sector;

in existentialist and postmodernist thought, relationships between the Self and the Other;

interactive systems in communities of animal or insect populations, or any living organisms.In one broad meaning, "social" refers only to society as "a system of common life", but in another sense it contrasts specifically with "individual" and individualist theories of society. This is reflected for instance in the different perspectives of liberalism and socialism on society and public affairs.The adjective "social" implies that the verb or noun to which it is applied is somehow more communicative, cooperative, and moderated by contact with human beings, than if it were omitted. That is, it implies that larger society has played some role in defining the idea or the principle. For instance terms like social realism, social justice, social constructivism, social psychology and social capital imply that there is some social process involved or considered, a process that is not there in regular, "non-social", realism, justice, constructivism, psychology, or capital.The adjective "social" is also used often in political discourse, although its meaning in such a context depends heavily on who is using it. In left-wing circles it is often used to imply a positive characteristic, while in right-wing circles it is generally used to imply a negative characteristic. It should also be noted that, overall, this adjective is used much more often by those on the political left than by those on the political right. For these reasons, those seeking to avoid association with the left-right political debates often seek to label their work with phrases that do not include the word "social". An example is quasi-empiricism in mathematics which is sometimes labelled social constructivism by those who see it as an unwarranted intrusion of social considerations in mathematical practice, which is supposed to be "objective" and "above" social concerns.

Social theorists - In the view of Karl Marx, human beings are intrinsically, necessarily and by definition social beings who - beyond being "gregarious creatures" -cannot survive and meet their needs other than through social co-operation and association. Their social characteristics are therefore to a large extent an objectively given fact, stamped on them from birth and affirmed by socialization processes; and, according to Marx, in producing and reproducing their material life, people must necessarily enter into relations of production which are "independent of their will". By contrast, the sociologist Max Weber for example defines human action as "social" if, by virtue of the subjective meanings attached to the action by individuals, it "takes account of the behaviour of others, and is thereby oriented in its course". In this case, the "social" domain really exists only in the intersubjective relations between individuals, but by implication the life of these individuals also exists in part outside the social domain. "Social" is thus implicitly also contrasted with "Privacyprivate".In the positivist sociology of Emile Durkheim, a social fact is an abstraction external to the individual which constrains that individual's actions. In his 1895 work Rules of Sociological Method, Durkheim writes: "A social fact is every way of acting, fixed or not, capable of exercising on the individual an influence, or an external constraint; or again, every way of acting which is general throughout a given society, while at the same time existing in its own right independent of its individual manifestations." In Durkheim's view, sociology is 'the science of social facts'.

Socialism and social democracy - The term "socialism", used from the 1830s onwards in France and England, was directly related to what was called the social question, in essence the problem that the emergence of competitive market societies did not create "liberty, equality and fraternity" for all citizens, requiring the intervention of politics and social reform to tackle social problems, injustices and grievances (a topic on which Jean-Jacques Rousseau discourses at length in his classic work The Social Contract). Originally the term "socialist" was often used interchangeably with "co-operative", "mutualist", "associationist" and "collectivist". The term social democracy originally referred to the political project of extending democratic forms of association to the whole of society, substituting popular sovereignity, the universal franchise and social ownership for the rule of a propertied class which had exclusive voting rights.

Modern uses - In contemporary society, "social" often refers to the redistributive policies of the government which aim to apply resources in the public interest, for example, social security. Policy concerns then include the problems of social exclusion and social cohesion. Here, "social" contrasts with "Privacyprivate" and to the distinction between the public and the private (or privatised) spheres, where ownership relations define access to resources and attention.The social domain is often also contrasted with that of physical nature, but in sociobiology analogies are drawn between humans and other living species in order to explain social behavior in terms of biological factors. The term "social" is also added in various other academic sub-disciplines such as social geography, social psychology, social anthropology, social philosophy, social ontology, social statistics and social choice theory in mathematics. Some references:

Herbert Gintis, Samuel Bowles, Robert T. Boyd, and Ernst Fehr (eds.), Moral Sentiments and Material Interests; The Foundations of Cooperation in Economic Life.

Max Weber, Economy and Society.

Talcott Parsons, The Structure of Social Action.

Goran Therborn, Science, Class and Society

Russell Keat and John Urry, Social Theory As Science.

Alex Callinicos, Social Theory: an Historical Introduction.

C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination

Ole Bouman and Roemer van Toorn (eds.), The Invisible in Architecture.

Jürgen Habermas, Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere.

Charles Derber, The Pursuit of Attention; Power and Ego in Everyday Life.

Richard Levins & Richard Lewontin, The Dialectical Biologist!da:Socialde:Sozialid:Sosialnl: Sociaal

The Campoverde Social Club
The Campoverde Social Club is Vancouver's friendliest European-style lounge. A place where events are hosted nightly, where the only rule is that you are not allowed to ignore people, Campoverde hsa become the de facto way of meeting new people in the city of Vancouver. With over 400 members, Campoverde is the place to meet people and do some serious networking. Whether for business networking, social networking or just to enjoy the company of new people, Campoverde has something for everyone. It provides a cozy living room feel where people find a way to connect with others in their own city. A great place to visit if you have recently moved to Vancouver or are looking to expand your social circle! OR, use it to host corporate functions, birthday parties, client appreciation nights, or any sort of holiday celebration. Please join us in making Vancouver the friendliest city in Canada! www.campoverde.ca
http://www.campoverde.ca/

green path
Ananda is an ecological tourism development organisation working in the Himalayan foothills in Himachal Pradesh, north-west India. Operating in the Kullu Valley, Ananda is developing conservation projects aimed at restoring the environment, raising awareness of ecological issues, encouraging co-operation and helping the local community to develop sustainable livelihoods. Our projects are to help villages to start conservation of the natural and cultural heritage, to develop community based ecotourism, to provide various types of vocational training and environmental education. Through our small ecotourism project we also offer voluntary work placements for anyone who wants to contribute and get involved with the project. As well Ananda is offering services in eco-trekking tours and green jeep safari tours to Little Tibet in Ladhak and Lahul & Spiti. We are also offering regular yoga classes at the temple to tourists , locals, students (or even yoga eco-trek to Chaderkhani with Pappu!).
http://www.anandaproject.org/

Advanced Social Technologies
Advanced Social Technologies, an independent center for sociological research and social engineering, based in Yerevan, Armenia
http://www.ast.am/

Argument
Journalist and social scientist blog
http://www.hichemkaroui.com/

Trident Mediation Counselling and Support Foundation
Not for profit organisation offers online counselling, mediation, supervision and tutoring.
http://www.tridentfoundation.net/

Social Sounds
Social Sounds
http://www.socialsounds.net/

www.belmontabbey.net
The website for The Belmont Association: ex-students, staff and friends of Belmont Abbey School 1926-1994.
http://www.belmontabbey.net/

junction27rocknroll
monthly, live 1950s style rock'n'roll
http://rockandrollonline.co.uk/

Alessandro Maccari on the web
mac on the web
http://www.alessandromaccari.com/

Michael Parenti's Poltical Archives
Offering biographical data about award-winning author and social commentator, Michael Parenti, along with descriptions and selections from his books, articles, and talks, and a listing of his DVDs and CDs and forthcoming public appearances.
http://www.michaelparenti.org/

Ministry Developers Collaborative
The Collaborative's mission is to open doors for growth and learning among those called to develop ministering congregations by building links among dioceses, seminaries, institutes, and programs
http://www.mindevelopers.org/

SICSW - Society for International Cooperation in Social Work
We promote the internationalization of social work as a discipline and a profession by means of concrete projects: IRN - The International Research Network for Social Work. SICSW Mailinglist for International Social Work
http://www.sicsw.org/

Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK and Commonwealth
The ASA was founded in 1946 to promote the study and teaching of social anthropology, to present the interests of social anthropology and to maintain its professional status. Its aim is to assist in any way possible in planning research, to collate and publish information on social anthropology and to function as a register of social anthropologists.
http://www.theasa.org/

TheWhatsUp
A Resource for Active Singles: Listing many single clubs and Outdoor oriented clubs schedule of events in the coming couple weeks.
http://www.thewhatsup.com/

Intework
Not for Profit public benevolent institution assisting People with Disabilities
http://www.intework.org/

American Lebanese Coordination Council
The American Lebanese Coordination Council (ALCC) is a nonprofit think tank institution composed of professional individuals and committees united by one common denominator-freedom. The ALCC is committed to fighting terrorism; exposing oppressive regimes suspected of sponsoring terrorism, and/or violating International Laws and Human Rights. Furthermore, ALCC is devoted to promoting freedom and democracy; improving human rights conditions, and progressing health conditions, especially of women and children.
http://www.alcc-research.com/

German-Namibian Stipendium Funds
The GNSF supports Namibian students to foster responsibility and development in Namibia.
http://www.stipendienfondsnamibia.de/

Capital Events Photography
The home of social, charity and corporate photography
http://www.events-photography.com/

InsiderEntertainment.com
InsiderEntertainment.com ~ the premier creative online manual for metropolitan individuals seeking entertainment and enjoyment in their professional, social and cultural endeavours.
http://www.insiderentertainment.com/

Bouvier Topline
breeding conformation dogs for health and temperament, located in the Netherlands
http://www.bouviertopline.nl/

TyPoCiTyPoCiTy
Documentation of rare and interesting typefaces found in public spaces in Bombay
http://www.typocity.com/

Orihwa
Native firm
http://www.orihwa.ca/

VLISCO Real Dutch Wax Prints
Vlisco in Holland is the unique producer and marketer of the famous VLISCO Real Dutch Wax & Java Prints (premium African fabrics)
http://www.vlisco.com/

Etiquette Consulting
Knowledge is power. The advantage is in doing it correctly and looking polished. Those who know will know if you have taken the extra step to be refined and comfortable in a business or social setting.
http://www.etiquetteconsulting.com/

Gabinet d'Estudis Socials S.C.C.L.
Gabinet d'Estudis Socials S.C.C.L.
http://www.gabinet.com/

Otley Rugby Club
National League 1 rugby club with a strong family based group of supporters, all are welcome.
http://otleyrugbyclub.co.uk/

Associação bem-haja.net
Associação de Solidariedade ligada às novas tecnologias, presta apoio gratuito nas àreas de internet e informática a outras instituições sem fins lucrativos.
http://www.bem-haja.net/

Volodalen
Sportifs, athlètes, entraîneurs, si vous voulez vivre votre passion en la comprenant, entrez dans 350 pages de conseils, entrez dans Volodalen
http://www.volodalen.com/

Chinese Escort Girls Source In China
EscortsChina.com is a Private Escort Service Network Club and Secret Society mainly servicing gentlemen and ladies across Greater China Area. We are only open to our Esteemed VIP Members. EscortsChina.com provide beautiful companions to CEOs and Business men ! The international variety of 18-35 years' old beautiful escorts are available for companionship in the main cities of China. Whether it is an extended vacation, someone to talk with, a much-needed opportunity to dance the night away, or that special corporate or diplomatic function, there are always some oriental ladies specifically for you. Your personal selection of a companion is of the utmost essence in creating the precise ambiance you desire. EscortsChina.com is the heart of a truly memorable experience. Since 2000 we have been matching prospective clients like yourself with beautiful Chinese escorts across China. These escorts come from office employees,college students,independent escorts,etc.
http://www.escortschina.com

champa human rights
Human rights, history, culture.etc
http://www.champa-hr.org/

JewStar.com connecting jews one star at a time
JewStar.com has hit the Internet with a splash of excitement. Two recent graduates from the University of Miami have been on a mission to connect six million Jews around the world. As grandsons of Holocaust survivors and participants of The March of the Living, they have realized that Jewish people must stick together. As obvious as that sounded, they knew that in order for such a mission to be accomplished, Jews must be able to find one another. So, with the use of the Internet, www.JewStar.com was born. The purpose of the site is to enable users to make new connections, find others with similar interests and reconnect with old friends. JewStar.com is a networking tool that continues to meet the needs of Jews on both a personal and professional level. Members feel very comfortable using the service and are quickly spreading the word. Members are able to fill out a comprehensive yet quick profile, post up to six pictures, utilize the e-mail and messaging service, as well as the JewStar chat room. Future features include an on-line store featuring a Jewish themed clothing line, Judaic jewelry, as well as gift baskets and many other Israeli products. Additionally, the site will be expanding to highlight important Jewish issues with a section of articles, links to Jewish organizations and an Ask A Rabbi message board. For centuries, the Star of David has been the symbol of Jewish pride and now it is time to show that pride by wearing your Jewish Star Online! Sign up for free at JewStar.com and start inviting your friends, family and co-workers to get connected. Here is what people are saying about JewStar.com: This website is awesome. By just clicking, I was able to connect to hundreds of Jews. I'm Hooked! David Schwartz, Los Angeles. I clicked on my friend's picture, and realized that Max was on there as well. I hadn't been in touch with him for years…I can't believe I found him on JewStar. This is Jewish Geography online! Jessica Bochman, New York. Our dream is to connect all Jews regardless of their religious knowledge or practice level…it's amazing to see how receptive people have been! Steven Linde and Andrew Resnick, Miami, FL. JewStar LLC, headquartered in Miami Beach, FL, is the premier Jewish online networking community connecting people worldwide. If you have any questions please contact Help@JewStar.com.
http://www.jewstar.com/

THE CODE AND THE CHALLENGE OF LEARNING TO READ IT
The most influential invention in the history of history is right in front of and behind your eyes: The Code - the code we use to read and write. We are all CHILDREN OF THE CODE. For some of us it is an invisible mind enabling platform. For others it is an ever present, painful and shameful CIELING. This site includes over 120 interviews with world leading scientists and scholars whose work explores THE CODE AND THE CHALLENGE OF LEARNING TO READ IT.
http://www.childrenofthecode.org

Kosher MEET Market
A social organization for young people and young families
http://www.koshermeetmarket.org/

MetroActive Lifestyle Network
We are a cross-industry, cross-cultural organization for professionals interested in succeeding in all areas of their lives. We support our members in their strive for excellence in business, career, health and wellness, spirituality, relationships, and personal development. Our events, programs, and initiatives support personal and professional growth through networking, socializing, learning, and recreation. We are an opportunity source connecting members to leaders, resources, and experiences. Our members are young-spirited, progressive, professionals in pursuit of both personal and professional excellence. They have a winning attitude about life; eager to learn, open-minded, progressive, proactive, innovative, cooperative, respectful and confident. In 1998, we started as a small community of business leaders committed to supporting each other and making a difference in the world. Today, MetroActive is 9,000 strong and growing. We welcome you to join our wonderful community.
http://www.metroactive.ca/

Inter-Varsity Club in the UK (IVC)
IVC is a UK based chain of Clubs for graduates and like minded people which offer a variety of social, recreational, cultural and sporting activities. We provide great opportunities to meet people and to make all sorts of friends. The clubs are non-profit making and are run by the members for the members. There are nearly 50 IVC Clubs in the UK with over 5,000 members.
http://www.ivc.org.uk/

A Vision Learning to Happen
More than anything else, EVERYTHING depends on learning. This site is about 'turning up the learning' - STEWARDING THE HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN'S LEARNING.
http://www.implicity.org/

Crear Empresas
Guia para la creación de empresas, sociedades y autónomos paso a paso.
http://www.crear-empresas.com/

chambre nationale des professions libérales
Mouvement représentatif des professions libérales constitué des chambres locales transdisciplinaires
http://www.cnpl.org/

Coope SoliDar R.L.
Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Profesionales para la Solidaridad Social. Profesionales en diferentes disciplinas que promueven el acercamiento entre conservación y desarrollo, a nivel de comunidades locales y pueblos indígenas.
http://www.coopesolidar.org/

SocialEats - 'Open' Dinner Parties
SocialEats is a collection of 'open' dinner parties, run by hosts with a passion for food and entertaining. Hosts prepare and share a meal with guests who show up with an appetite. Anyone is invited to attend. It's a great place to meet interesting and fun people and enjoy a great meal.
http://www.socialeats.com/

ADN1.COM
American Digital Networks; Building a Better Business Network
http://www.adn1.com

Only Child
Only Child News is a communication tool devoted to one of the fastest growing segments of our society... Only Children of all ages.There are an estimated 20 million only children in the United States alone. Our newsletter addresses the concerns and interests of only children, their parents, grandparents, and friends. Only Child News explores issues about raising, being and knowing an only child, and provides a forum for questions and answers. We are interactive, creative, and open to suggestions. We want to hear your stories and ideas.
http://www.onlychild.com/

The Country House in Westchester
The Country House is an independent and assisted living facility licensed by The State of New York for over 30 years.
http://www.countryhouseretirement.com/

PatientView
PatientView is a global research and publishing organisation that works closely with health and social campaigning groups worldwide. PatientView's expertise in the area of health campaigning comes from two of its major resources. First, Health and Social Campaigners' Network International , a very large global virtual network of health campaigning groups; and second, Health and Social Campaigners' News International , a monthly briefing document about the activities of health campaigners worldwide – free to health campaigners and available to other healthcare stakeholders on subscription. Other resources supplied by Patient View are: • Broadcasting Patients , a free service that helps health campaigning groups access media organisations (and vice versa). [Web pages to be launched in May 2006.] • Regular survey work of our 40,000-plus email database of health campaigning organisations. • Datamining of PatientView's library of resources on any subject related to the world of health campaigning. • Consultancy on any subject related to the world of health campaigning. PatientView ensures its independence and impartiality by accepting projects from a wide range of healthcare stakeholders. PatientView has guaranteed to receive no more than 20% of its annual income from projects commissioned by the pharmaceutical industry.
http://www.patient-view.com/

West africa, Togo-based association, ngo Volontaire-Globalisation.
The Mission of V Glob is to promote equity in globalisation,to contribute substantially to the reduction of extreme poverty among young people and above all women in rural areas, in the periphery and in towns alike, while meeting the specific needs of enclosed communities. The mission is centred on the following axis: mobilize good will regardless of origin, race, sex, faith and political conviction, to invest in the collective utility of voluntary services while aiming at the socio-educative and cultural integration of children who are without support and at the development of creative action to encourage youth employment. stimulate the internal development capacities of vulnerable communities, which are, until now, deprived of education structures, adequate sanitation, drinking water and grass-roots infrastructures that can boost a more durable development. Promote the Millennium Development Goals in villages and rural areas.
http://www.vglob.org/

Media Dissent
Web designers for social change.
http://www.mediadissent.com/

Unlikely 2.0
A web-magazine of Politics, Culture, and Art
http://www.unlikelystories.org/

Sustainable Agriculture Initiative
SAI Platform is a food industry initiative aimed at contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture for the mainstream, worldwide. Its activities are open to stakeholders of the food chain, including farmers whose involvement is crucial to the successful design and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. SAI Platform definition of sustainable agriculture is: Sustainable agriculture is a productive, competitive and efficient way to produce agricultural products, while at the same time protecting and improving the natural environment and social/economic conditions of local communities.
http://www.saiplatform.org/

North Houston Swing Dance Club
North Houston Swing Dance Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a more progressive environment for the membership to enhance their dance skills, and is dedicated to the purpose of promoting a dance, commonly called the Whip, Push, “West Coast Swing”, or the Swing. This dance is not only unique and beautiful in its execution, but also promotes friendship among those who have an affinity for it and provides a clean wholesome activity for anyone who participates in dancing the Swing
http://www.nhsdc.com/

OISD Okanagan Institute for Sustaniable Development.
Researching ways to improve the present without compromising the future. Taking initiative to engage the community in issues and sustainable solutions.
http://www.oisd.ca/

SAGA North Ski & Snowboard Club
For gay/lesbian skiers and riders in the San Francisco Bay area. Organizes trips, parties during the ski season and outdoor activities during the summer.
http://www.saganorth.com/

cafes de bilbao- Iruña Catering
Official web page of the historical Bilbao cafés (Iruña, La Granja y Boulevard) and Iruña Catering services, an indissociable part of the city’s heritage and social life.
http://www.cafesdebilbao.net/

The Saga of a Shy Fellow
The true problem did not end after to overcome shyness. It was necessary to go farther. The Saga of a Shy Fellow is novel by a psychiatrist.
http://www.social-anxiety-shyness-info.com/

Herr's Indexing Service
Established in 1944, Herr's Indexing Service specializes in preparing back-of-the-book and journal indexes for publications on medicine, nursing, the allied health fields, social sciences, business, history and education.
http://www.herrsindexing.com/

TheTruthTree.com :: Free Resources for Spiritual Growth
Learn about yourself and your faith using these free resources developed and tested by real people in real life.
http://www.thetruthtree.com/

3DLearn Interactive Academy
Ground-breaking 3D virtual reality school for grades 7-12. Take classes in 3D, create your own 3D virtual reality learning worlds as part of the learning process and earn your high school diploma. Accredited full-time private school.
http://www.3dlearn.com/

Social Security Administration
This is the homepage for the Social Security Administration.
http://www.ssa.gov

Social Science Information Gateway
SOSIG aims to offer social scientists a quick and easy way of finding quality networked information that can support their work.
http://www.sosig.ac.uk/

Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
CPSR's website devoted to issues such as Internet filters, encryption, digital signatures, PICS, ethics, NII, and privacy.
http://cpsr.org

Social Psychology Network
Searchable links directory for subject areas, PhD programs, researchers, research groups, journals, online studies, and teaching resources.
http://www.socialpsychology.org/

NASW
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. Access to code of ethics, journals, books, career advice, news and information amongst other resources and links.
http://www.naswdc.org/

Ancestry.com
Large resource of worldwide census, marriage, newspaper and various other records. Includes free searchable databases, columns and articles, gedcoms, and forums.
http://www.ancestry.com/