Part III text 1 society and the individual

1. Read and translate the text

The word society can be used to mean what people also call high society, the activities of very rich and famous people, the clothes they wear, the parties they go to, etc. A society wedding means a wedding at which everyone is well-known.

But when people speak of British or American society they mean the whole population, the way people live together and the institutions they develop in order to do so.

America is often said to be an individualistic society, i.e. the needs and desires of individuals are put before those of society as a whole. In many ways this is true. Americans strongly support the rights of individuals, and most would agree that people should be free to make their own choices and do what they want, provided that they do not hurt other people. Americans also believe that individuals should take responsibility for their own situation and not expect society as a whole, through the government, to take care of them.

It is said that, since the 1980s, British society has become more selfish and individualistic, and that people try to improve their own position at the expense of others. Britain is still a class-based society, but now education, employment and money matter as much in determining people's opportunities and place in society as their family background. There is also belief that personal morality is a matter for the individual, and that society should not expect everyone to have the same values. Most British people, however, believe that society has a moral responsibility to care for those in need, even though they are afraid that they will have to pay higher taxes to pay for social welfare benefits.

Before the 18th century, membership of a particular social class defined an individual's status and determined the level of education they got, the work they could do, and who they might marry. The idea of an individual having personal freedom and equality of opportunity is relatively new. The challenge facing modern society is to balance an individual’s freedom of expression and choice with the need to maintain basic social structures and processes for the benefit of society as a whole.

2. Memorize the following words

society - суспільство

wedding - весілля

support - підтримка

rights of individuals – право особистості

choice - вибір

provide – забезпечувати

take responsibility - приймати відповідальність

selfish - егоїстичний

improve - покращити

at the expense of others – за рахунок інших

opportunities - можливості

value – цінність

social welfare – соціальне забезпечення personal freedom – особиста свобода

equality of opportunities – рівність можливостей

maintain - зберігати

3. Explain the meaning of the words and word phrases in Ukrainian:

- society;

- rights of individuals;

- personal morality;

- personal freedom;

- an individual's freedom of expression and choice.

4. Discuss the statements according to the following points:

1) America is often said to be an individualistic society;

2) British society has become more selfish and individualistic;

3) Ukrainian society (rights of individuals; people are free to make their own choice; individuals take responsibility; people's opportunities; values; social welfare; personal freedom; equality of opportunity).

5. Questions for analysis and reflection:

1) Do you think that to be free means to make one’s own choices and do what one wants?

2) Do you think if there are personal freedom and equality of opportunities in our society? Give examples.