Formal sociology
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The Formal Sociology is a theoretical approach in sociology, who, starting from the analysis of social relations and the interactions among individuals. The relationship of the individuals constitute only " society" through the process of socialization.
Georg Simmel (1858-1918) coined the term 1908. His concept was later continued by Leopold von Wiese and Alfred Vierkandt. Fundamental to the development of formal sociology had previous work Ferdinand Tönnies '. Great influence was Simmel's approach to the American Sociology ( Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton, Lewis A. Coser, Peter Blau, and others). The functional systems theory as well as the role theory and the theory of the group were heavily influenced by Simmel.
Starting point and elaboration
Object of study of formal sociology Simmel after the abstract and general forms of relationships among individuals. The behavior of individuals is influenced by specific and individual needs, which as independent of historical or other specificities ( eg: class, layer, etc. ) must be considered. Relationship types are: over-and subordination, competition, division of labor, faction, strife, friendship etc.
In contrast to Ferdinand Tönnies, Simmel sees the dispute / conflict is a form of socialization, in which individuals of their similarities are clear. Tönnies was only in the mutual affirmation of people have a " socialization " (and " pooling " ), viewed as an object of sociology.; he was assigned as the object of knowledge is not the " Sociology ", but the " social biology " mutual negation.
After intensive examination of Immanuel Kant, Simmel described sociological " forms " as " pure" ( = without empirical admixture ) and given a priori. They are therefore not constituted through abstraction or generalization. This theory is in contrast to Max Weber's theory of types.
Only in the specification of the terms empirical relevance win this " pure forms ". The example of the " Vergesellschaft " is made clear: " content " gets the term only by what is concrete and historically present in the individuals as drivers, interests, talents and an action on other individuals: "For unity in the empirical sense is nothing but the interaction of elements [ ... ]. "
Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) had society still regarded as a substance that exerts on the individual " coercion." Society was still the primary as in Auguste Comte.
Simmel, however, does not represent the individual at the center, but the relations (relations) or interactions of individuals, thus gaining the "social" and as a result the company. As he quite positive sees the formal relationship " dispute / fight " in the context of socialization, Simmel sees in the representation and weighting of the dispute, the dynamics of social structures.
The formal sociology claimed as an analytical grid effect for the entire subject matter of sociology.
The opposing view
Undoubtedly took Simmel with his approach major influence on the nascent sociology after 1900. Ferdinand Tönnies and Max Weber addition, he has developed key concepts of sociology that still have validity.
Although the concepts of formal sociology were complex and comprehensive, allowed only a descriptive classification. The dynamics of social events will thus hardly detected or not. Also, the structural- functional theory of Parsons is accused thus social change can not be adequately analyzed.
Next there is criticism that in formal sociology primarily mechanisms, channels, forms of penetration of social values and norms would be in the foreground of the presentation, while maintaining the legitimacy of social values and norms is regarded as given. In particular, in the Marxist theory of this criticism is highlighted.
Jürgen Habermas emphasizes that the child must learn in socialization, reflexively deal with values and norms in order to preserve its autonomy. It must learn to master the social transformation of values and norms.
Formalization
The formalization of a theory allows ( a) the consistency ( consistency ) to verify a theory better and ( b ) to derive conclusions from the formal theory that can be tested empirically.
Simmel and his successors have done, to this effect, the sociological theory empirically verifiable. Thus, social facts of empirical verification are available, which questions the legitimacy of norms and values and their reflexive handling by the individual are not recorded.