Definition: Sphere

A category of social circles with a corresponding social function and associated characteristic relations, roles and expectations.

• Explanation. Families, enterprises, universities, courts and states operate in different spheres of social life. Different social circles within the same sphere may differ greatly from one another, but remain recognisable as the same type of social association. The concept is functionally related to Kuyper’s thought concerning life circles and spheres, but is used here analytically without adopting the normative or worldview-based compo­nents of his system.