The social Theory of Georg Simmel

Bibliographic data

Monograph

Identifikator:: 1024612627

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-166627

Document type:: Monograph

Author:: Spykman, Nicholas J. http://d-nb.info/gnd/124229867

Title:: The social Theory of Georg Simmel

Place of publication:: Chicago

Publisher:: Univ. of Chicago Press.

Year of publication:: 1925

Scope:: XXIX, 297 S

Digitisation:: 2022

Collection:: Economics Books

Usage license:: Get license information via the feedback formular.

168 THE SOCIAL THEORY OF GEORG SIMMEL ment can withdraw in favor of the formal principle. That formal principle is the hereditary kingship. The objectivation of the group coherence may dispense with this personal form and become attached to material symbols, such as crown jewels, a flag, a banner; or it may find expression in a maxim or motto.’ The importance of a material symbol becomes much greater if it serves as a common possession. It may be that the material interests of the individuals converge in this symbol, or that the centralized functions of the group de- pend on it. In that case it is of importance to secure its permanence. This is usually obtained by the “dead hand,” the provision that the property of the association, which, as such, is eternal, cannot be alienated. For the church the eternity of her tenure was a symbol of the eternity of her life-principle. That her possessions were chiefly real estate strengthened the usefulness of her material properties for the preservation of her group unity. Modern associations and corporations try to secure the same ends by different means. In some cases the provision is made that no resti- tution of contributions shall be made to those who with- draw, and in other cases the constitution stipulates that in case of dissolution the funds shall not be distributed, but shall revert to another association of similar purpose. In the latter case the provision aims, not at the physical per- 1 Soz., pp. 511-14. This formalistic sociological aspect of the hereditary king- ship is, of course, not the whole story of its historical development. Simmel would not have us believe that. But it is none the less to be regretted that he did not refer to the reverse side of the medal. The kingship did not only become heredi- tary because it reflected the immortality of the group, but also because the princes conceived their imperium as a dominium, as a permanent possession in their own family. t For an extensive account of the importance of the symbol or the emblem for the group unity, see Emile Durkheim, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (translated by Swain), p. 236.

Access restriction

Copyright

fullscreen: The social Theory of Georg Simmel

Monograph

Table of contents

Download

Monograph

This page

Image fragment

Citation links

Citation recommendation