Georg Simmel and the senses: a relational sociology of perception

Abstract

This article proposes a review of the program plan for Georg Simmel’s sociology of the senses, aimed at a relational sociology of perception. It argues that the author’s proposal —not just fragments of his work— offers various contributions in this regard. It proposes two analytical dimensions for the sociological study of perception: 1) the study of the historical conditions of perception, and 2) the effects of mutual perception or “reciprocal perception”. The author seeks to show that Simmel describes the problem of perception as being relational, cognitive, sensory and emotional, and provides a relevant theoretical and methodological research proposal.