Simmel Small Group

Georg Simmel played a very important role in the study of small groups. In his work, Simmel expressed his view of society, his view of sociology, and his view on the individual in modern society. He conducted his studies of monads, dyads, triads, small groups, large groups, and the dynamics between them and concluded that that groups of people and their interactions were tied to the individual within society (Ford 2015). Interestingly, Simmel believed that fashion was connected to identity expression and individualism which resulted in a certain conformity and uniformity among groups. Simmel stated that “fashion provides the best arena for people who lack autonomy and who need support, yet whose self-awareness nevertheless requires that they

The hipsters are usually from middle class or higher and are characterized by their eye for fashion. They tend to prefer one of a kind types of clothing and accessories, often scrimmaging for hours at local thrift shops in search of the perfect piece. By doing so, the hipsters and the emos are attempting to maintain their own individuality among the group and among society, “giving off the vibe that they don’t care” (Fletcher 2009). Hipsters are usually interested in politics and equality and often associated with the liberal arts. Someone once said, “The whole point of hipsters is that they avoid labels and being labeled” (Plevin 2008). However, the members of the group act and dress alike, conforming to their non-conformity, unintentionally falling back into mainstream

Since emos tend to be more introverted and known for their anti-social behavior they tend to be thrown into the same category as Goths, but it is important to “distinguish Emos from Goths by suggesting that Emos hate themselves, while Goths hate all others” (Martin 2006).
I think that Simmel would focus on how imitation and individuality are simultaneously played out throughout both groups in the sense that they want to be individuals yet they end up becoming uniform within their group. Also, Simmel would address the fact that both the hipsters and the emos are looking for self-actualization, individuality, and meaning by rebelling against social norms and mainstream culture in their own way. Although both groups hold different fashions, beliefs, and ideologies, their unity allows them to function in a society where individuality and imitation is