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The Social Thought of Georg Simmel
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The Social Thought of Georg Simmel



February 2014 | 128 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

An accessible introduction to ideas and concerns of one of sociology’s early founders.

 

This new volume of the SAGE Social Thinkers series provides a concise introduction to the work, life, and influences of Georg Simmel. It closely examines the writings and ideas of Simmel that introduced a new way of looking at culture and society and helped establish sociology’s place among the academic fields. The book focuses on the key intellectual concerns of Simmel, including the process of individualization, religion, private and family life, cities, and modernization. It is ideal for use as a self-contained volume or in conjunction with other sociological theory textbooks.


 
Chapter 1: Georg Simmel - The Man and His Work
 
Chapter 2: Sociology as One of the Humanities
 
Chapter 3: Individualization as Ethical Concern
 
Chapter 4: What Religions Have in Common
 
Chapter 5: Evolution: The Family and Private Life
 
Chapter 6: Equality versus Liberty: Competition and Money
 
Chapter 7: Sociology Saves Lives: Vitalism and the Poor Person
 
Chapter 8: Further Readings: Living in Big Cities

"Horst Helle presents a fuller picture of Simmel's scholarship than is generally known to sociologists. In addition, he includes aspects of Simmel's sociology that is often neglected because they have not appeared in English. This is a worthwhile read not only for those being introduced to Simmel but also for those who have some familiarity with him."

Anthony J. Blasi
Visiting Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio

Excellent text to capture the thought of Simmel. Students will engage well and will find this text and its interpretations very useful in understanding the great sociological thought of Simmel.

Mr Lewis Simpson
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
August 27, 2014
Key features

KEY FEATURES:

  • In addition to English translations of Simmel’s works, the author relies on his own insights into the meaning of the original German texts.
  • Chapter-ending Questions for Thought encourage readers to reflect on and apply each chapter’s ideas to today’s social world.
  • A Further Readings chapter facilitates additional study and research.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 3

Chapter 4


Sage College Publishing

You can purchase this book and request an instructor sample on our US College site:

Go To College Site

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.