militant and industrial societies

militant and industrial societies

Herbert SPENCER's evolutionary distinction between two types of society: the earlier form of society based on ‘compulsory cooperation’, militant society, and the newer type of society into which militant societies evolve, industrial society, based on ‘voluntary cooperation’ (see Fig. 20). Spencer's conception of modern industrial society reflected his view that contemporary English society represented the highest stage of evolution. His typology formulates an idealized distinction. Spencer recognized that many societies had not reached his second stage. He was also acutely aware that modern societies displayed many signs of reverting to the militant form. However, he retained his belief that the industrial type was the most evolved form, and one which individuals and governments ought to seek to achieve.