• 20.03.2025

Organic Unity vs. Constructed Interests: Understanding Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft

Organic groups (Gemeinschaft) arise spontaneously, unconsciously, and are based on the natural interconnectedness of existence, whereas groups formed by conscious will (Gesellschaft) are created through deliberate efforts and united on the basis of individual interests. This means that in the former case, the connection between members is deep, solidaristic, and often “inherently valuable” – examples being a family or a tribe, where people are bound not only by blood ties but also by a shared destiny. As stated in one of the sources: