1. Georg Simmel,

2. Simmel’s Life and Career
Berlin; family life
Private lecturer at University of Berlin
Academic marginalization
Anti-Semitism
Lack of systematic theory
Disregard for academic conventions
Popularity with students
Major theme: social interactions

3. Social Interactions Focus on everyday life Identify underlying forms
Distinction between content and forms
Example: conflict
Example: domination

4. Simmel on Conflict Positive consequences
Intense over impersonal interests
Generates group solidarity
Conflict among similars is most bitter

5. Simmel on Numbers
Dyads
Triads
Larger groups

6. Simmel on Modernity “The Metropolis and Mental Life”
Overwhelming stimuli
Coping strategies
Tragedy of modern culture
Objective and subjective culture
Overall take on modernity: ambivalent and ambiguous

7. “Sociability” Impulse to sociability “play-form of association”
Balancing act
Manifestations of sociability, e.g. coquetry
Conversation: an end in itself
Transformation of daily life into “artistic play”

8. In-Class Writing (open book)
Does the social scene in Palm Beach described by Dunne represent “sociability” as Simmel defines it? Why or why not?

9. Exercise
Come up with a specific example of sociability from your own life experience.
How does your example fit Simmel’s definition of sociability?
How common is sociability today?
Is sociability increasing, decreasing, or stable over time?

10. Discussion Is Palm Beach society an example of sociability?
Your examples of sociability
Frequency of sociability
Trends in sociability

11. Third Party Roles Divide and rule Rejoicing third party
Nonpartisan mediator

12. Domination Mutual influence of superordinate and subordinate
Example: waitresses

13. Simmel on Money Modern life takes form consistent with nature of money
No intrinsic meaning: means of exchange
Facilitates certain forms of interaction, leads to their dominance

14. Consequences of Money Increased personal freedom
Impersonal interactions
Emphasis on calculation and intellect
Speeds up tempo of life
Specialization and personal development
Prostitution: extreme example of negative effects of money on interaction