SOCIAL DIFFERENTIATION 193

combinations of others, and he even differentiates himself
from and opposes those with whom he combines for other
purposes.
This latter combination finds its most characteristic
expression in the merchant class. The merchant combines
with other merchants in an association for common interests
 like commercial legislation, class prestige, and the
maintenance of prices. These common interests unite the
class as a whole in its relations with outsiders. But, on the
other hand, the merchant is in competition with and thereby
 in opposition to his fellow-merchants. Membership in
that social circle means at the same time a co-operation
with others and a competition against others. It means a
position similar to that of others and at the same time a
position apart from others. The individual guards his own
interest by waging a severe competition against those with
whom he is strongly united for the purpose of safeguarding
their common interests. This internal opposition is most
clearly expressed in the merchant class, but it is present in
nearly all associations. Even the ephemeral polite society
that gathers for an evening function is not free from it.
Human nature seems to show a fundamental need for
both types of association, a fundamental desire for both
co-operation and competition. The individual wants to
feel and to act with others, but he also wants to act against
others. A certain proportion between the two is apparently
a necessity for the full expression of his individuality. He
can satisfy that desire by a participation in associations
which have these formal characteristics quite irrespective
of what their content is. In many cases the participation
in certain associations is due, not to their factual significance,
 but to the fact that they give the individual a certain
 proportion between competition and co-operation in
his associative life. It is often due to this fact that the in-