Social relation

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In sociology, a social relation or social interaction refers to a relationship between two (i.e. a dyad), three (i.e. a triad) or more individuals (e.g. a social group). Social relations, derived from individual agency, form the basis of the social structure. To this extent social relations are always the basic object of analysis for social scientists. Fundamental enquiries into the nature of social relations are to be found in the work of the classical sociologists, for instance, in Max Weber's theory of social action. Further categories can and must be established in order to carry out social theory and research, such as that of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft (lit. "Community and Society").

Disputes over the conduct of investigating social interaction relate to the core debates in sociology and the other social sciences: positivism (quantitative research) against antipositivism (qualitative research), structure against agency, structural functionalism against conflict theory, as well as the philosophy of social science itself.

Forms of relation and interaction

Forms of relation and interaction in sociology may be described as follows: first and most basic are animal-like behaviors, i.e. various physical movements of the body. Then there are actions - movements with a meaning and purpose. Then there are social behaviors, or social actions, which address (directly or indirectly) other people, which solicit a response from another agent. Next are social contacts, a pair of social actions, which form the beginning of social interactions. Social interactions in turn form the basis of social relations.

These divisions are illustrated in the table below:

See also

• Social action
• reflexivity
• Affectional action
• Interpersonal relationship
• Instrumental action
• Traditional action
• Value-rational action
• Communicative action
• Dramaturgical action
• Symbolic interactionism
• Interpersonal relationships
• Group action (sociology)
• Social movement

Related disciplines

• Sociology
• Social philosophy
• Political science
• Social psychology

References

• Max Weber The Nature of Social Action in Runciman, W.G. 'Weber: Selections in Translation' Cambridge University Press, 1991.
• Piotr Sztompka, Socjologia, Znak, 2002, ISBN 83-240-0218-9