LA 1201 Chapter : Mid6
Document Summary
Simmel says the most important distinction is between dyad and triad. Triad: group of three or more: has supra-individual power, secrets can exist. When third person joins three basic forms of political relations that can evolve within a triad depending on what role the entering third party assumes. Tertius gaudens (the third that rejoices): one who profits from a disagreement between other two: opposite of mediator, might have multiple roles, ^ex. Marriage counselor; helping couple resolve problems, but also makes money. Simmel"s approach (groups larger that dyad and triad) Party: same as small, but multifocal: face-to-face interaction, multifocal (more that 2 different conversations happening at once among the group, ex. Two people discuss a, the rest discuss b, then it is bifocal; if another subgroup begins discussing c, then it becomes multifocal. Large groups: formal structure, status differentiation: classroom: obvious who teacher is, who has higher status than student in that specific social context teacher and professor aren"t equal.
