Simmel versus Durkheim
Introduction
The parallels existing in Simmel’s theory of modern society and that of Durkheim are noticeable. Simmel, like Durkheim, offers a sort of sociological projection theory. Religion appears within social relations with different intensity. Man, in his association with God, transcends and repeats his connection to the collectivity (Hunter, 2018). As such, the unity in the group gets expressed in religious terms. The integration is called a deity. On the other, Durkheim’s underlying concept of the trinity (unity, deity and society) is closely similar to Simmel’s trinity (Society, money and deity). There are several other points of convergence in the two classical. It is essential to keep in mind that Simmel, like Durkheim, began his sociological investigations like a social psychologist. He was blamed frequently for his psychologism.
Similarities
Upon observing religion and the ideas proposed by these figures, it is agreeable that they had a mutual interest in religion. Simmel argues that there is a psychological need for completeness. He disregards that personality traits exist that are unique to individuals (Hunter, 2018). Durkheim, however, states that it is vital to believe that the impact of man’s actions gets extended. The assertion is a meaningful one. Simmel expounds in specific ways on Durkheim’s claims. The truth of the matter is that there is a need to believe that actions do not exhaust their consequences in entirety at once (Hunter, 2018). However, these consequences get extended for a distance in scope and length. They otherwise amount to insignificant levels that do not interest men at all.
Despite approaching the issue differently, the two focus on religion as a requirement for humanity. Also, when considering their views on religion in general, it can be construed that the concept of complementary relationships between society and individuals gets implied more by his assertion known as psychological need for completeness. After an examination of their perspectives on religion, it is possible to their stands on sociability (Schlichtman, 2017). Religion avails a set of beliefs common among a majority of people. Besides, religion also offers clues on cooperation. When addressing sociability in regards to Simmel’s assertions, four aspects get construed. The first one is that there is an undeniable urge for man to be around other people. The desire is indispensable in all human beings. All the different functions of sociability serve as a factor of resonance. They provide a delightful affirmation to social reality (Schlichtman, 2017). Thus resolving the issues of associations are modelled after the urge that people desire to be with other people.
Conceptions of Individuality
Contemporary social change theories are more generalized to demonstrate the extensive processes of changes in the present and the past. While reviewing modern aspects of change, five features of these changes have gotten identified. They include time, the magnitude of change, amount of violence involved, rate of change and the direction it takes. As such, modern forms of settlement and social organization contribute to new conceptions of individuality in three profound ways. First, are the structural determinants of social changes, including changes in population, dislocation caused by strains, wars or contradictions. Secondly are the mechanisms and processes of social change. It includes social movements, precipitating arrangements, political accommodation and conflicts and entrepreneurial activities. Lastly, the direction the social change adopts, including effects, structural changes and consequences.
References
Hunter, A. (2018). Conceptualizing community. In Handbook of community movements and local organizations in the 21st century (pp. 3-23). Springer, Cham.
Schlichtman, J. J. (2017). The sociological ‘urban.’ Defining the Urban: Interdisciplinary and Professional Perspectives, 11.