I would contest the last part, numerous societies believe in the concept of individual and collective struggle towards the illusive 'greater good', by some irony, the US is one of those societies that prides itself on volunteer service to the benefit of society. In line with that, serving jury duty does not ensure justice, helping out at soup kitchens does not eliminate hunger, donating your extra clothes to the Salvation Army does not mean that no one will be cold but that does not stop anyone from partaking in these activities does it? Their individuals act may not be able to marginally affect society, much rather change it, but it does give them the peace of mind of having made a difference at least at the personal level. Unless of course you want to make a nihilist analysis of the entire concept of social responsibility, in which case, what is society to begin with? :-D