Social Freedom

Simmel's paradox of modernity and the possibilities of Relational Sociology

Abstract

Is freedom really just the selfish pursuit of one’s own liberties? Classical and contemporary sociology offers theoretical frameworks that highlight a variety of aspects of freedom. This article emphasizes positive freedom, particularly through the perspectives of Simmel and Relational Sociology. It demonstrates that freedom can fundamentally be understood as a social phenomenon and a social achievement. Consequently, new analytical possibilities and perspectives emerge, and can be used for further empirical research as well.