... Gemeinschaft bonds were the main forces that bound people together. The bonds took the form of social cohesion, the sense of being in a distinct group, sustained ties with the place the group live in and generations. The church and family would regulate the culturally homogenous behaviour. Today communities as evident in pre-industrial life are basically obsolete. Tonnies used the term Gemeinschaft to describe this type of social bond, which can also mean 'community' and Gesellschaft to mean 'association'. In a modern society there is a diverse work force, lack of moral regulation, impersonal relationships, multiculturalism, dysfunctional families, privatised companies only available to a minority of the population etc. Society is based on meritocracy (although the extent of this may be challenged) and this can be held partly responsible for the decline in Gemeinschaft bonds because is has encouraged individualism - creating conflicting identities within a society. It appears that ...

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