What is the role of society in Oedipus Rex?

In Oedipus Rex, the role of society (at least in the context of the play) is to serve as a barometer for social and ethical norms.  The chorus represents the voice of the Theban people, and thus can arguably be heard as the voice of society.  Throughout the play, the chorus comments on the major events to assess whether or not characters are making ethical choices.  For example, in Choral Ode II, the chorus says "The tyrant is a child of Pride" (Fitzgerald translation), suggesting that Oedipus is letting his hubris get in the way of his better judgement.  In the previous scene, Oedipus and Jocasta cast aside their belief in the veracity of oracles, and such a response in their culture is not ethical.  The people have faith and trust in the gods, so Oedipus's shunning of the gods is not acceptable.  So the chorus, or the voice of the people in society, criticizes his behavior.