Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s12108-003-1015-9
Title (Primary) Sociologists of the unexpected: Edward A. Ross and Georg Simmel on the unintended consequences of modernity
Author Gross, M.
Source Titel American Sociologist
Year 2003
Department SUSOZ
Volume 34
Issue 4
Page From 40
Page To 58
Language englisch
Abstract

The modern increase in opportunities for social activities also brings with it unintended side effects posed by the liberating potential and the acceleration of modern life. In this paper it is argued that the views reflected in Georg Simmel’s formal approach and in American sociologist Edward A. Ross’ reformative sociology are (1) complementary and (2) offer fresh insights for our current sociological understanding of unexpected consequences in contemporary “high modernity” or knowledge societies. A long forgotten nexus between the ideas of Simmel’s and the work of Ross will be reviewed in order to point out affinities between the two authors’ takes on the unintended and sometimes tragic moments in modern culture and their relevance for sociology today. Based on these discussions a fundamental mode for framing the unexpected in modern society as a recursively-linked component to the intended is illustrated.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=4859
Gross, M. (2003):
Sociologists of the unexpected: Edward A. Ross and Georg Simmel on the unintended consequences of modernity
American Sociologist 34 (4), 40 - 58 10.1007/s12108-003-1015-9