In this episode I spoke with Hinnerk Freytag who is a PhD student at the European University Flensburg about the sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies.

Tönnies is best known for the concepts Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft  which refer to two different kinds of societies each associated with  particular kinds of “social bonds”. Central to Tönnies’ analysis is that  modernity and urbanisation has loosened the previously strong, familial  and communal ties of communities. Modern society is, instead, more  individualised and our relationships with others are more anonymous and  contractual. While this analysis is quite well known among sociologists  much of the rest of his work is less so. We try to put these insights  into context of Tönnies other work around public opinion and custom.

Sadly none of Tönnies work is freely available however this essay is a good introduction. Also, it is usually possible to pick up cheap second hand copies  (from sites such as Abe Books)  or if you have access to a good university library you should be able  to access his key works discussed on this episode such as Community & Society (Gemeinschaft & Gesselschaft) and Custom.

Theme music is Wirklich Wichtig by Checkie Brown used on a Creative Commons license

Incidental music is Disco Stomp by Jonas78 used on a Creative Commons license

You can follow me on Twitter @chrishtill

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