Comparison

What Is Comparison?

Comparison or comparing is the act of evaluating two or more things by determining the relevant, comparable characteristics of each thing, and then determining which characteristics of each are similar to the other, which are different, and to what degree.

The Essence of Comparison

To compare is to bring two or more things together (physically or in contemplation) and to examine them systematically, identifying similarities and differences among them. It’s like taking a close look at apples and oranges side by side—both are fruits, but they have their unique flavors and textures.

Comparison Across Different Frameworks

Comparison has a different meaning within each framework of study. In the most limited sense, it consists of comparing two units isolated from each other. But when we delve deeper, comparison becomes a powerful tool for understanding complex systems and relationships.

The Importance of Similarities and Differences

To compare things, they must have characteristics that are similar enough in relevant ways to merit comparison. If two things are too different to compare in a useful way, an attempt to compare them is colloquially referred to as ‘comparing apples and oranges.’ This phrase highlights the importance of finding common ground before making meaningful comparisons.

Comparison in Everyday Life

Humans engage in comparison in various aspects of life. From shopping for food and clothes to choosing a job or hiring employees, comparison is an integral part of decision-making processes. In commerce, people often engage in comparison shopping: attempting to get the best deal by comparing the qualities of different available versions of a product.

Social Comparison Theory

Humans also tend to compare themselves and their belongings with others. Children begin developing this ability in elementary school, where they start to understand that some things are better or worse than others based on comparisons made with peers. Social comparison theory explains how individuals evaluate their own opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others to reduce uncertainty in these domains and learn how to define the self.

Language and Comparison

Human language has evolved to suit this practice by facilitating grammatical comparison, with comparative forms enabling a person to describe a thing as having more or less of a characteristic than another thing, or to describe a thing in a group as having the most or least of that characteristic relative to the group. This linguistic tool helps us articulate and understand differences and similarities effectively.

Academic Applications

In academia, comparison is used between things like economic and political systems. Political scientist and historian Benedict Anderson has cautioned against using comparisons without considering the relevant framework of things being compared. Either case could be made, depending on one’s angle of vision, framework, and conclusions.

Examples in Academia

Anderson notes that Otto Bauer compared similarities between Germans and Frenchmen to promote understanding, while Émile Durkheim saw comparative sociology as the core of sociology itself. These examples illustrate how comparison can be used constructively or critically depending on the context and purpose.

Literature and Comparison

In literature, comparison is used in similes and has been criticized for being odious, with writers like John Lydgate, Shakespeare, and Miguel de Cervantes expressing similar sentiments. While comparisons can enhance understanding and creativity, they can also be overused or misapplied, leading to confusion or misunderstanding.

So, the next time you find yourself comparing two things, ask yourself: Are these apples and oranges, or do they share enough similarities to make a meaningful comparison? The answer will guide your decision-making process and help you navigate the complexities of our world more effectively.