Double Consciousness and the Stranger Essay - 1565 Words

Throughout history, Georg Simmel and W.E.B. Du Bois have had a significant influence on important theories and ideas developed in the Social Sciences. Perhaps two of the most relevant and well-known concepts developed by both of these theorists are the concepts of â€Å"double consciousness† and â€Å"the stranger†. In this paper I will be analyzing both of these pieces of work to draw upon differences and similarities between the two. The similarities I will be elaborating on are the usage of the paradoxical figure, which both Simmel and Du Bois discuss in their theories, and the coexisting feeling of division from mainstream society. The difference between the two theories that I will be exploring is the perception that mainstream society has of†¦show more content†¦He is fixed within a certain spatial circle- or within a group whose boundaries are analogous to spatial boundaries- but his position within it is fundamentally affected by the fact that he does not belong in it initially and that he brings qualities into it that are not, and cannot be, indigenous to it† (Simmel, 143). Simmel defines the stranger as one that is both close and far; that is physically close, but socially distant. He disassociates his concept from the understanding of the stranger as one who comes and goes. Rather, the stranger he speaks of in this case is one who comes and stays, but has not been socialized under the same conditions as mainstream society. Despite this, the stranger is not a person who is withdrawn from society and is unaware of social norms. Rather, someone is inorganically appended to the society, but still an organic member of the group (ibid, 149). The stranger is seen as and valuable member of society because it is, in no way connected to any one individual. The stranger holds a certain objectivity, and can be confessed to without the threat of judgment on the confessor (ibid, 145). Simmel believes that the role of stranger is hist orically related to certain forms of economic interaction, particularly trade. Because the role of the stranger is never theShow MoreRelatedSimmels versus Du Boiss Theories in the Social Sciences1254 Words   |  6 PagesDu Bois have had a substantial influence on imperative theories and concepts developed in the area of social sciences. Two of the most significant and distinguished concepts fostered by both of these theorists are the concepts of â€Å"double consciousness† and â€Å"the stranger†. In this essay, I will be analyzing each of these works to draw upon differences and similarities concerning the two. The resemblances I will be expanding on are the usage of the paradoxical figure, which both theorists discussRead MoreDifferences Between Du Bois And Marx1365 Words   |  6 Pagesto the work of Georg Simmel. Simmel coined The Stranger theory in his 1908 essay of the same name. The Stranger is defined as â€Å"an individual who is a member of a system bu t who is not strongly attached to the system† (Rogers,1999). According to the theory, a person may be close to others in proximity yet does not conform completely to the system and maintains their own customs and norms. As a result, a division arises in society between â€Å"the stranger† and other of different social groups who viewRead MoreGeorge Simmel s The Stranger 992 Words   |  4 Pages George Simmel’s, ‘The Stranger’ and W.E.B. 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