Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the classical sociological distinction between "Community" (Gemeinschaft) and "Society" (Gesellschaft), originally conceptualized by Ferdinand Tönnies.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us critically evaluate each of the given statements:
- Statement (A): "Community is smaller than society"
A community is a localized group of people living together within a specific, restricted geographical area.
Society, by contrast, is a vast, complex web of social relationships that spans across regions, nations, or even the globe.
Therefore, a community is conceptually and geographically nested within and smaller than a society.
Thus, Statement (A) is true.
- Statement (B): "Society always denotes a definite geographical area"
A community requires a definite, identifiable geographical locality to exist.
Society, however, does not require physical boundaries; social relationships can transcend geographical limits (such as international networks or online societies).
Thus, Statement (B) is false.
- Statement (C): "'We feeling' and 'community sentiments' are essential elements of society"
"We-feeling" and "community sentiment" are the primary social bonds that define a community.
In a large-scale society, relationships are often impersonal, legalistic, and contract-based.
Therefore, community sentiments are not mandatory elements for a society to function.
Thus, Statement (C) is false.
- Statement (D): "There is common assessment of interests and objectives on the part of community members"
Members of a community live in close proximity, share local resources, and experience common environmental conditions.
Consequently, they develop shared interests, objectives, and local values.
Thus, Statement (D) is true.
Therefore, only statements (A) and (D) are true.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The true statements are (A) and (D) only.
Therefore, the correct choice is Option (A).