In The Giver, what is the society like and how does it work?

It is clear that this excellent novel presents us with a
society that is strictly ordered and where little is allowed to be hidden or concealed
from those around you. Everything is so strictly counted and organised that any
deviation from the norm results in massive shock. Consider the way that Jonas feels fear
when the aeroplane goes above the community and everyone is told to enter the nearest
building. The community of which Jonas is a part is small and open, so that everyone
knows each other. Only a strict number of children are allowed to be born, and they are
not born traditionally, but in a sterile environment. "Parents" are only allowed to have
two children, and their job is to bring up these children to obey and respect the rules
of the community, which include such rules as a time of sharing each day. Behavior is
observed and comments heard. There is no such thing as privacy.