Definition: Social relations

Relatively enduring relations between individuals or social circles in which their mu­tual positions, dependencies, expectations and possibilities for action are partly formed by operative civilisation elements.

• Explanation. Social relations describe how individuals and social circles relate to one another in actual conduct. They include differences in position, dependency, expectations and possibilities for action. Operative civilisation elements help shape these relations, but social relations may also be influenced by formal powers, material circumstances and actual power differentials. Changes in social relations may in turn affect personal and circle civilisations.