Association: Its concept

 

Introduction:

 When a number of people are united for a specific purpose, it is called an Association. Association in the general sense means a group of people who will organize and perform a special task. Sociologists have observed different types of associations in the social structure. Multiple associations can belong to one community.

 Association: Definitions and Ideas

 Association means a group of people who are organized for one or more purposes and adopt a certain course of action. The two elements behind the formation of an association are functional, namely - a common purpose and a strong desire to be organized. For example, football club, teachers association, merchant association, etc.

 The association has two characteristics,

 namely- (a) Membership and (b) Common object. 

To be a member of the association, its declaration letter has to be complied with, the regular subscription has to be paid and the meeting has to be attended. A society can have many associations. McIver and Page say that when a group is organized for one or more purposes, it is called an association. 

According to McIver and Page, there are three ways for people to achieve their goals.

1. 1. People can take initiative to satisfy their personal interests without interacting with other members of society. However, such attempts are considered antisocial and rarely succeed.
2. 2. Many times people can take the initiative to fulfill a purpose by engaging in conflict with others. But it can often disrupt peace and order in society, although conflict and rivalry are observed throughout social life.
3. 3. The third way to achieve the goal is to unite and follow the path of mutual cooperation. That is, when people spontaneously unite to achieve a purpose and form an association, then it is helpful for the welfare of society.

 According to McIver and Page, an association is a group formed to serve the interests of a common group. In this sense we can call any political party and state a union. 

According to Gisbert, a union is a major group formed for a specific purpose. Associations can be temporary communities. The family and the state can be considered as unions. An association can also be called an agency. In that case, the union is the equivalent of a corporation. 

There are different kinds of needs, purposes, and goals in human life. It is impossible for man to achieve all his needs and goals in a single effort. For this purpose, people want to implement the aims and objectives of social life in a collective way and easily. Therefore, we can say from the above discussion that man is in the pursuit of his intentions and the diverse purpose.

The features of the association are discussed -

1. The purpose of the members of the association must be the same. The purpose can be one or more. It can also operate with new objectives in mind. 
2. The association will have an organizational structure. As a result, the members have to abide by the constitution and rules. 
3. In order for a person to be a member of an association, he has to be a member of that association by pledging to abide by the rules and regulations of that association.
4. If any member of the association violates the rules and regulations of the association, action may be taken against him or he may be expelled from the association.
5. Through the association, real efforts are made to meet the needs of the people. 
6. Being a member of an association is not compulsory.
7. There is no need for nationalism among the members of the association.
8. Associations can be short-lived or long-lasting, but it depends on the wishes, circumstances, and needs of the members of the association. 
9. Different associations can be formed for different purposes. For example, society can be welfare-oriented, non-judgmental, and politically empowering. 
10. Association formation is a matter of personal motivation. Through the association, any person can carry out the objective with the help of like-minded members, which in many cases is possible alone.
11. An executive board and constitution are essential for the functioning of the association. 

The Difference Between a Community and an Association

 We know that an association is a united mass that strives to achieve one or more objectives. And a community is a group of people living in a certain area who live together as partners in their common way of life. 

The differences between communities and associations are mentioned below. 

1. Associations are formed to serve certain purposes and interests, such as a sports association and a community is a group of people whose members live in the same area to pursue a common life without pursuing any particular interests.
2. Association is not a community, but an organization that belongs to the community. For example, in a village or town, many associations can be formed. So it is said that the community is wide and the organization is limited.
3.  It is voluntary for any person to be a member of an association, but any person is considered a member of the community by birth and spontaneously. An individual may withdraw membership of the association. But the membership of individuals belonging to the community is permanent.
4. The community is a permanent social entity. Its purpose may be multiple or overall. Lakes within the community can serve their respective purposes from within the community. But the union is short-lived, it cannot last unless its purpose and interests are realized.
5.  The members of the association are bound to abide by its principles, norms, and rules. But the members of the community are guided and controlled by social customs, traditions, and customs keeping in mind their common interests and objectives. 
6. The association has a legal position. If necessary, the members or members may take recourse to the law against the activities or decisions of the association. But that does not apply to the community. 
7. The Association may or may not have any regional limitations. But the community must live in a certain area.
8. One person may become a member of many associations but in the Community, one person belongs to one community.

We can say that the above mention Association has a smaller scope as compared to the Community. But various aspect associations play a vital role in society. In a community particular society observe but in Association there are various kind people who should become members.

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