George Simmel convinced that individual interacts with the subjective meaning they assigned with the objects he or she created in society. Such relations or interactions over a period of time assume various forms and patterns. Simply, this process is termed as’ Sociation’. And, as per him, it is task of sociologists to study these specific forms. Let’s know in detail sociation and social forms
Understanding sociation and social forms
Sociation refers to the patterns and forms the interactions between individual assumes over period of time. He never advocated to study the totality of interactions but those which are specific and permanent or chances of recurrence in place and time.
Explaining Social forms by George Simmel
Social forms are definite patterns of interactions with recurrence and are independent of people who created it. These forms are focal point for Simmel if one wants to study sociology.
Obviously, this is the reason he emphasized to study social forms ignoring content of interactions. As per Simmel, content has hardly definite nature and studying it doesn’t help to understand social reality.
Types of social forms and types
He noted that smallest social phenomenon occures between two individual, while complex social phenomenon is a product of interactions among smaller phenomena.
Simmel in his study of social forms looked at wide range of social forms like exchange, conflict, prostitution, and sociability.
In this way, Simmel presented his thoughts on the nature of sociation and social forms in his work. As complementary to form, he cames up with social types based on types of interactants or role or positions given by society.
In terms of social types, he comes up with the stranger, the mediator, the adventurer, the renegade etc. This is all about the key concepts of George Simmel..
Difference between Subordination And Superordination
Both subordination and superordination are the best example of his study on social forms of social interactions. In his discussion of domination, he argued that subordination and superordination have mutual or reciprocal relationship.
Subordination and superordination are found in the wide range of social setting like in the state, In a religious community, in a band of conspirators, in an economic association, in art school, and in a family
Conditions determining factors for subordination
He gave certain rules for the nature of subordination. There should be mutual or reciprocal relationship. There is no question of absolute dominance by leader but should have options for dominated regarding to react either positively or negatively. Simmel was in favour of certain degree of personal freedom.
Importance of subordination and superordination
And, the any attempt to either eliminate dependence or independence will eventually results in collapse of such relationship or interactions.
In simple words, in order to perpetuate reciprocal social relations among individuals, it is equally essential to have certain dominance with personal dignity, freedom and obedience to rule of authority whether it is personal or group.
Subordinated to individual or group and outcomes
Simmel argued that how the superordination authority whether it is personal or group or objective force have strong bearing on the form of mutual relationship between two social units. Down the line, he perceived that under personal authority, group in question is more strongly united than in authority by group.
Furthermore, Simmel also argued that the group subordinated to individual feel more freer and spontaneous than authority by objective force. Because, as per his views, subordinating to individual has an element of freedom and dignity comparatively. He further emphasis that subordinating to object is much more unfavourable. To make it more vivid, Simmel asserts that if the individual is dominated by objective force or thing, he himself psychologically sinks to the category of mere thing.
This is all about the concept clarity of George Simmel — sociation and social forms.
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