150 THE SOCIAL THEORY OF GEORG SIMMEL 
even in those which are not purely purposive associations, 
the relationship implies only a limited contribution on the 
part of the members in exchange for a limited service on 
the part of the group. 
Apart from the significance of a boundary line for the 
reciprocities across the border, the existence of such a 
boundary is also of importance for the internal relations of 
group elements. It is characteristic for the social life of the 
group whether the surrounding frame is felt as compressing 
and hemming in the life-processes of the group, or as suf- 
ficiently wide to allow for expansion and growth. This so- 
ciological density is not identical with a mere density of 
population. It is not primarily the result of the number of 
people, but depends rather on whether their forces and 
activities have sufficient room for growth or whether any 
expansion throws them against the border. In oriental 
states, the spatial frames of groups leave plenty of room 
notwithstanding the density of population. In western 
commercial states, the framework may appear much more 
narrow notwithstanding a much smaller population den- 
sity. 
The history of Venice shows an interesting illustration 
of the existence of a narrow frame and its influence on the 
life of the group. Territorial growth being impossible, the 
expansion of the city had to take the form of a dynamic 
expansion into the world at large. This policy required a 
world-view and wide vision which was lacking among the 
masses, and therefore led to an aristocratic form of gov- 
ernment. Although Venice is perhaps the best illustration, 
the formal sociological influence and significance of a nar- 
row spatial frame is not limited to political constellations, 
but is manifest in all social groups and associations.” 
r Soz., pp. 624-30.