Modernity and Reason: Weber and Simmel's Theory of Modernity and Social Change
Modernity & Reason modernity What exactly is modernity? Most classical social theorists found themselves engaged in attempts to analyze and critique modern society. But nowhere is such analysis more clear than in the work of Durkheim, Marx, Weber and Simmel. Indeed, through their writings, whilst all of them displayed a remarkable awareness of the advantages of modernity, what distinguished them from their peers was their critique of the problems posed by modern society.
However, whereas both Durkheim and Marx sought to develop a general model of modern society by examining the problems caused by modernity for the integration of society as a whole, Weber and Simmel instead both focused on studying and understanding the meanings that social actions have on the individual. Indeed, both Simmel and Weber attempt, as shall be elaborated upon below, to frame the development of modern society around the concept of rationalization, money and the subsequent effect on modern culture.
Reason, economy, culture, and society
The modern economic system
In contrast to Marx, both Simmel and Weber question the notion of the economy being centered upon the ownership of property. For Weber, the social relationship which best expresses instrumental reasoning is that of exchange because social relations is the quickest way in which such a form of reasoning comes to guide our lives (Dodd, 1999). Likewise, Simmel considers exchange to be the most important form of social form as it is the most common form of social relationship existing between individuals (ibid). However, where Simmel and Weber differ is that whereas Weber attempts to develop an understanding of rationalization as applied to values, means and ends, Simmel characterizes his perception of reason by economic calculation.
Definition of reason
As stated above, both Weber and Simmel attempt to use the concept of reason to explain their views of modern society. This then raises the question – what exactly do they
However, whereas both Durkheim and Marx sought to develop a general model of modern society by examining the problems caused by modernity for the integration of society as a whole, Weber and Simmel instead both focused on studying and understanding the meanings that social actions have on the individual. Indeed, both Simmel and Weber attempt, as shall be elaborated upon below, to frame the development of modern society around the concept of rationalization, money and the subsequent effect on modern culture.
Reason, economy, culture, and society
The modern economic system
In contrast to Marx, both Simmel and Weber question the notion of the economy being centered upon the ownership of property. For Weber, the social relationship which best expresses instrumental reasoning is that of exchange because social relations is the quickest way in which such a form of reasoning comes to guide our lives (Dodd, 1999). Likewise, Simmel considers exchange to be the most important form of social form as it is the most common form of social relationship existing between individuals (ibid). However, where Simmel and Weber differ is that whereas Weber attempts to develop an understanding of rationalization as applied to values, means and ends, Simmel characterizes his perception of reason by economic calculation.
Definition of reason
As stated above, both Weber and Simmel attempt to use the concept of reason to explain their views of modern society. This then raises the question – what exactly do they
Bibliography: Allan, K. (2011). Contemporary Social and Sociological Theory: Visualizing Social Worlds (2nd ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE Publications. Coser, L. (1977). Masters of Sociological Thought: Ideas in Historical and Social Context. London: Cengage Learning EMEA. Dodd, N. (1999). Social Theory and Modernity. Malden: Polity Press. Ritzer, G. (2011). Sociological Theory (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Swingewood, A. (1998). Cultural Theory and the Problem of Modernity. New York: St. Martin 's Press. -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. forms of social interaction borne out of an impulse to socialize and pursue particular interests