SOCIAL DIFFERENTIATION 185

pates in concentric circles, there may be a greater number
of individuals in an identical sociological position. The
gradually decreasing circles like nation, social class, and
subdivision of the latter do not give the participating individual
 a specific and unique place. But if he participates
in a number of social clubs and scientific societies apart
from his immediate business relationships, his position becomes
 pretty well defined.
Such a participation in a number of intersecting circles
 has also important consequences for the individual
himself. It allows him to express in his social life a greater
part of his personality. He regains in the manifoldness of
his associations some of the individual uniqueness which
is lost, as far as his social life is concerned, as long as he is
a member of only one association.
Such a position at the intersection of different social
circles means not only a more complete determination, but
also new tasks. The complete certainty which results from
membership in a single group is replaced by a situation
which is not free from waverings and uncertainties. Membership
 in a plurality of social circles may even lead to an
external and internal conflict that may threaten a dualism
and disruption of the individuality. This does not contradict
 the fact that a pluralistic participation strengthens the
individuality as such. The dualism and the unity are mutually
 supporting. On the one hand, there arises the problem
 of disruption just because the individual is a unity.
On the other hand, the ego will become more conscious of
its unity if it is the meeting-point of divergent group interests.
 The membership in different family groups which results
 from modern marriage will make the lives of the individuals
 richer, extend their interests, and force them not
only to internal and external conciliations, but also to
energetic self-assertions.