Ferdinand Tönnies used which term to describe tightly-knit communities with strong personal bonds?

Ferdinand Tönnies introduced the concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft to describe two distinct types of social groupings. The term "Gemeinschaft" refers to community-oriented social structures characterized by close personal relationships, deep emotional connections, and a strong sense of loyalty and belonging among individuals. In Gemeinschaft societies, relationships are often based on kinship, tradition, and shared values, leading to a cohesive and supportive environment where individuals feel a part of a larger family or community.

This concept emphasizes the importance of collective identity and emotional ties that bind people together, contrasting with the other term, Gesellschaft, which describes more impersonal and contractual relationships typically found in modern societies where individualism, efficiency, and formalities prevail. The focus in Gemeinschaft is on the social fabric created by strong interpersonal bonds, making it the correct term for describing tightly-knit communities.