Characteristics of Competition:

(i) Competition is impersonal struggle. Competition is never personalised. According to some sociologists, competition refers to interactions without social contact. It is usually not directed against any individual or group in particular.

(ii) Competition is mainly an unconscious activity but at times conscious competition also takes place. Whenever the competitions shift their interest from the objects of competition to other competitors, it is called rivalry or personal competition. Personal competition or rivalry is a conscious activity.

(iii) Competition is universal. No society is devoid of competition. However, the magnitude and the degree of competition might vary from society to society. Competition is found in all known human societies and cultures. 

(iv) Competition is regarded as conducive to progress. Fair competition is conducive to economics as well as social progress and even to general welfare because it spurs individuals and groups to exert their best efforts. Its obvious connection with what is called "progress" has led some sociologists to regard it as the essential features of modern civilization. Competition provides the individuals better opportunities to satisfy their desires for new experiences and recognitions.

(v) At times competition can be vicious for both individuals and groups. It may create emotional disturbances. Unfair competition has the most disintegrating effects. Both co-operation and competition constitute the underlying essence of most of the social interactions in everyday life. No society is exclusively competitive or exclusively. cooperative.

(vi) Competition refers to both associative and dissociative dimensions of social process.