Module: Understanding Social Change
Week 5 – Georg Simmel
Required reading:
Applerouth, S. & Desfor Edles, L 2012. Classical & Contemporary Social Theory
London: Pine Forge Press pp. 232 – 241 (Exchange) and pp.242-245 (The Stranger)
Recommended reading:
Calhourn (ed.) 2002. Classical Sociological Theory Oxford: Blackwell, pp.366-396
Quiz
(1) For Simmel, the essence of society lies in the interactions between individuals
and groups – for Simmel, society isn’t a real thing.
(2) Simmel believes society and the individuals that compose it constitute an
interdependent duality – they are one and the same thing. Society doesn’t
exist without individuals. The individuals are the creators of duality.
(3) The impersonality and generalizability of money as a medium of exchange
transforms the nature of social interaction – money is not part of the context in
which interaction come about.
(4) The fact that modern, functionality specific organizations require only a “part”
of the self illustrates which of Simmel’s concepts? Web of association –
society can only exist if people interact with each other. The different sorts of
people you interact with helps you to interact with other people.
What are social forms for Simmel?
Conflict
Exchange
Sociality
Patterned mode of interaction – meeting personal and group goals.
They exist prior to the interaction
Forms imply social types – they are not fixed, we are constantly in the
process of building and breaking them down. Interactions are not
necessarily a conscious process.
Week 5 – Georg Simmel
Required reading:
Applerouth, S. & Desfor Edles, L 2012. Classical & Contemporary Social Theory
London: Pine Forge Press pp. 232 – 241 (Exchange) and pp.242-245 (The Stranger)
Recommended reading:
Calhourn (ed.) 2002. Classical Sociological Theory Oxford: Blackwell, pp.366-396
Quiz
(1) For Simmel, the essence of society lies in the interactions between individuals
and groups – for Simmel, society isn’t a real thing.
(2) Simmel believes society and the individuals that compose it constitute an
interdependent duality – they are one and the same thing. Society doesn’t
exist without individuals. The individuals are the creators of duality.
(3) The impersonality and generalizability of money as a medium of exchange
transforms the nature of social interaction – money is not part of the context in
which interaction come about.
(4) The fact that modern, functionality specific organizations require only a “part”
of the self illustrates which of Simmel’s concepts? Web of association –
society can only exist if people interact with each other. The different sorts of
people you interact with helps you to interact with other people.
What are social forms for Simmel?
Conflict
Exchange
Sociality
Patterned mode of interaction – meeting personal and group goals.
They exist prior to the interaction
Forms imply social types – they are not fixed, we are constantly in the
process of building and breaking them down. Interactions are not
necessarily a conscious process.
