Sociology 402 Sociological Theory The Sociology of George

Sociology 402 Sociological Theory The Sociology of George Simmel

Biography/Philosophy • Frustrated Academic – Too popular for German professoriate – Defended by Weber but marginal • Liberal – Individual is creative, active meaning seeker – Modern world stimulating—maybe too much

Model: Dialectical Interactionism • Attempts to blend Weber and Marx • A true dialectic? – Without a beginning: alienation/estrangement – Without an end: liberation

Focus: Social • Focus on everyday social life – More micro than classics – Less interested in institutional change – More interested in consequences of change • • • The city The cosmopolitan The stranger Fashion Money

Model of Society • Model of Society – oppositional • individual versus society • content versus form – Dynamic • individual/content: creative, unpredictable • society/form: stable, predictable – Progressive?

Model of Sociation Form Conflict Content

Model of Sociation Role Other Self Society negotiation & conflict Performance Individual

Being a Student: A Double-Edged Sword Form of Action Experience Stimulation Coping Overload Planning Choosing Taking Ideas and Insights Taking Notes Physical Presence Evaluation Reaction Understanding Doing What is Required Handing Something In Accomplishment Relief Acceptance Meeting Degree Requirement Progress Struggle Endurance Paying Fees Investing Paying Spending Registration Attending Classes Assignments Grades