Simmel was following his own research agenda, which he sketched in his ‘Problem of Sociology’ (Simmel, 1971a). For him, the aim of sociology was to study “the objective reality of sociation” (35), essentially those processes of interaction, which he differentiated into “social form” and “content” (24). During his career, Simmel himself investigated many of those forms , but excluded sexuality from his writing. Although it is possible to trace thoughts about sexuality within his accounts, none of his essays was tackling this form of human interaction explicitly. In the course of this essay, it will nevertheless be attempted to describe the form of sexuality in Simmelian terms being a reciprocal interaction characterised by the duality of love and lust. After the investigation of sexuality as a ‘pure form’ in terms of the categories introduced above, two exemplary ‘contents’ will be looked at following Simmel’s own fragmentary style. Choosing pornography and celibacy as contrasting and extreme examples, one might be able to test the validity of the account given beforehand and examine the relicts of sexuality per se in far-removed contents. However, first of all, a Simmelian analysis of sexuality as such will be given in the following first paragraphs.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Simmel on Sexuality – Fragmentary Remarks on Pornography and Celibacy
- Introduction
- Sexuality as a ‘Pure Form’
- Sexuality as the Expression of the ‘Ur-Difference’
- Sexuality as a Process of Interaction
- Love
- Lust
- Sexuality as Content: Celibacy
- Sexuality as Content: Pornography
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to analyze sexuality through the lens of Georg Simmel's sociological framework, focusing on his concepts of interaction, social forms, and content. It investigates sexuality as a reciprocal interaction characterized by the duality of love and lust. The essay then examines two contrasting "contents" – pornography and celibacy – to illustrate the application of Simmel's theories to specific expressions of sexuality.
- Simmel's sociological theory of interaction and social forms.
- The duality of love and lust as defining aspects of sexuality.
- Analysis of celibacy as a content of sexuality, focusing on self-denial and self-refinement.
- Analysis of pornography as a content of sexuality, focusing on mediated distance and vulgar transparency.
- The concept of reciprocity in sexual interactions.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction outlines the essay's objective: to apply Simmel's sociological concepts to the analysis of sexuality, despite Simmel's own lack of explicit focus on the topic. The section on sexuality as a "pure form" explores sexuality as an interaction between two bodies, emphasizing the duality of love (emotional desire and unity) and lust (bodily desire and pleasure). Subsequent sections delve into detailed analyses of love and lust as separate yet interconnected elements within this duality. The chapter on celibacy examines it as a content of sexuality marked by the absence of lust and the presence of self-denial and self-refinement. The chapter on pornography analyzes it as a content characterized by a paradox of mediated distance and absolute closeness, focusing on desire rather than pleasure.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Georg Simmel, sociology, sexuality, love, lust, reciprocity, celibacy, pornography, social forms, content, interaction, distance, dualism, self-denial, self-refinement, mediated distance, vulgar transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Georg Simmel define sexuality in sociological terms?
Simmel views sexuality as a reciprocal interaction characterized by a duality of love (emotional unity) and lust (bodily pleasure).
Why did Simmel exclude sexuality from his explicit writings?
While Simmel investigated many social forms, he didn't tackle sexuality explicitly, though his theories on "form" and "content" can be applied to it.
What is the role of celibacy in this analysis?
Celibacy is examined as a "content" of sexuality where lust is absent, focusing instead on self-denial and self-refinement.
How is pornography interpreted through Simmel's lens?
Pornography is analyzed as a content marked by "vulgar transparency" and a paradox of mediated distance, focusing on desire rather than mutual pleasure.
What does "reciprocity" mean in sexual interaction?
It refers to the mutual exchange and influence between individuals, which is a core element of Simmel's theory of sociation.
- Quote paper
- Johannes Lenhard (Author), 2011, Simmel on Sexuality, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/182787
