Posted on 02/23/2004 9:56:32 AM PST by april15Bendovr
The German sociologist Ferdinand Tonnies (1855-1936) was a major contributor to theory and field studies in sociology. [1] He is best remembered for his distinction between two basic types of social groups. [2] Tonnies argued that there are two basic forms of human will: the essential will, which is the underlying, organic, or instinctive driving force; and arbitrary will, which is deliberative, purposive, and future (goal) oriented. Groups that form around essential will, in which membership is self-fulfilling, Tonnies called Gemeinschaft (often translated as community). Groups in which membership was sustained by some instrumental goal or definite end he termed Gesellschaft (often translated as society). Gemeinschaft was exemplified by the family or neighborhood; Gesellschaft, by the city or the state. [3]
Main Work Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft (1887; Community and Society, 1957) Main Concepts
Gemeinschaft "community," the informal, simple, direct, face-to-face relations with each other. Determined by Wesenwille (natural will), that is, spontaneous emotions and expressions of "with one another-ness." Bonds are based on family, kinship, religion. [See also Online Dictionary of the Social Sciences] and Gesellschaft "society," rationally set up social organization, cosmopolitan urban social relations, bureaucracy. Bonds are more indirect and impersonal and based on efficiency, calculation, politics. [See also Online Dictionary of the Social Sciences]
April15bendovr-"It is noteworthy to point out that Democrats would be the Gesellschaft, though I take exception to the word efficiency in the example. Republicans would be Gemeinschaft"
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