Final answer:
Industrial societies are characterized by Gesellschaft, denoting a society with impersonal relationships focused on economic and business interests, in contrast to the community-oriented Gemeinschaft typical of preindustrial societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Ferdinand Tönnies, industrial societies are characterized by Gesellschaft. In Tönnies' work, he differentiated between two types of social groups: Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. Gemeinschaft, often translated as community, refers to societies in which personal social interactions are based on familial ties and direct personal relationships, embodying a sense of community. Such societies are typical of preindustrial times, where connections are more deeply rooted in shared values and beliefs.On the other hand, industrial societies transition into Gesellschaft, which is a society primarily constructed around economic ties, business relationships, and legislative connections. These societies are characterized by impersonal, formal, and strategic interactions that serve specific interests, such as wage labor, commodity consumption, and the rise of social classes. In summary, the correct answer to the student's question is B) Gesellschaft.