Formal Sociology

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Formal sociology is a theoretical branch of general sociology that dominated the German-language specialist discussion in the first half of the 20th century. The claim of formal sociology is to explain everything social interpersonal relationships using observable. It is assumed that there are forms of interpersonal coexistence that can be found at all times and in all cultures. Regardless of the respective content, sociology is viewed as a science of the forms in which people act meaningfully in relation to one another and interact with one another.

Prominent representatives of formal sociology are Georg Simmel and Leopold von Wiese , who developed it into a relationship theory . Alfred Vierkandt , Ferdinand Tönnies and Werner Sombart are other protagonists of this school of thought .

"Geometry of the Social World"

Georg Simmel, who founded formal sociology , also called it "pure sociology" and counted it to the exact sciences. He saw in it "a kind of geometry of the social world" showing the outline that is usually obscured by people's passions and ideas. By separating form and content, the “quasi-empty society” with its formal interactions can be seen. In his further development of formal sociology, Leopold von Wiese replaced the term "interaction" with that of "interrelation" and renounced the distinction between form and content. Despite these changes, he also pursued the core idea: "It is still important to refrain from all cultural purposes that individuals pursue in society in order to study the influences they exert on one another as a result of community life." Von Wiese brought Interrelationships on a formula with which he analyzed every social process.

literature

  • Raymond Aron : The German Sociology of the Present. Systematic introduction to sociological thinking, 3rd edition, Kröner, Stuttgart 1969, pp. 2-15.
  • Roger Häußling: Formal Sociology. In: Christian Stegbauer and Roger Häußling (eds.), Handbuch Netzwerkforschung, VS-Verlag, Wiesbaden 2010, ISBN 978-3-531-15808-2 , pp. 241-254.
  • Burkard Sievers: Sociology, formal. In: Werner Fuchs-Heinritz and others (eds.), Lexikon zur Soziologie, 5th edition, Springer-VS, Wiesbaden 2011, ISBN 978-3-531-19670-1 , p. 636.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Gertraude Mikl-Horke : Sociology. Historical context and sociological theory drafts. 6th edition, Oldenbourg, Munich 2010, ISBN 978-3-486-70243-9 , p. 111.
  2. ^ Raymond Aron: The German Sociology of the Present. Systematic introduction to sociological thinking, 3rd edition, Kröner, Stuttgart 1969, p. 2.
  3. ^ Raymond Aron: The German Sociology of the Present. Systematic introduction to sociological thinking, 3rd edition, Kröner, Stuttgart 1969, p. 3.
  4. ^ Raymond Aron: The German Sociology of the Present. Systematic introduction to sociological thinking, 3rd edition, Kröner, Stuttgart 1969, p. 7.
  5. ^ Raymond Aron: The German Sociology of the Present. Systematic introduction to sociological thinking, 3rd edition, Kröner, Stuttgart 1969, p. 10.