Some sociologists contributing to the foundations of relational sociology on the international stage have been recently remarking a kind of affinity between both notions of social relation and social life: hey particularly refer to the pioneering views of Georg Simmel, who is largely mentioned and concerned in the following paper. The interaction among social subjects generates unexpected and emergent forms which sociologist must detect and inquiry: the interactive feature of any relation refers to the “content” of the social relation itself. Form and content stand for social life. This paper aims at addressing and deepening relational perspective, as regarded by Pierpaolo Donati, towards a Lebenssoziologie: in short, it hints to concern sensu strictissimo social relations as forms of social life. This lucky locution (i.e. Lebenssoziologie), adopted by Scott Lash more than ten years ago into a new interpretation of Simmel’s social theory, concerns social life in terms of stream which fits with analysis on such themes as media and ICT. In this contribution, Donati’s relational sociology is challenged and thematised in relation of a critical and relational Lebenssoziologie.
Human progress, driven by technical advances, increases wealth and well-being in society. However, socioeconomic and technological progress does not always lead to general well-being of people in society. This study shows some inconsistencies of human progress, technology-driven, on physical and mental health, given by a greater incidence of cancer and suicide in highly developed societies. Overall, then, empirical evidence here seems to reveal that human progress generates positive effects but also leads to some disorders for physical and mental health in the continuous evolution of society over time and space.
Social relations are inevitably marked and defined by a previous interpersonal negotiation on the dynamics of authority that give them concrete form. The management of interpersonal and systemic authority has always been a “social problem”, although historically it has come to life in very different ways. This article proposes to deepen (in a sociological perspective) the theme of the so-called “crisis” of authority in the modern era by clarifying the terms flowed by the same semantic root (the Latin verb augeo) but marked by strong and sometimes antithetical differences. We conclude by opening up a reflection on a relational dimension (authoritativeness), in our opinion not yet sufficiently deepened by human sciences.
The article describes the birth and development of “Stregoni [“Sorcerers”] network, an Italian musical project founded by two native musicians which involves asylum seekers received in reception centers in musical workshops and live performances. Its aim is to encourage the creation of social bonds and to deconstruct stereotypical ways to see asylum seekers and their music. Once presented its origins and widespread in Italy, the article describes how the project is represented by its members, according to their different roles and national backgrounds, highlighting differences and similarities and the underlying material conditions. A last focus is on the strengths and weaknesses of the project and on its potentialities as an incubator of active citizenship and social innovation.
The article investigates the socialization process to clubbing, as well as how taking part in this activity and developing a related lifestyle may affect youth life paths. In order to pursue these research aims, a qualitative secondary analysis is carried out to examine thirty-two semi-structured interviews collected among clubbers in Milan and Berlin. The results highlight multiple ways in which clubbing influences youth biographical constructions. Specifically, the paper shows how it shapes different spheres of social life, such as school and work, shedding light on the importance of the territorial dimension and the timing of clubbers’ socialization. Conclusions stress the relevance of leisure in configuring people’s biographies.
The article describes Puzzle Puglia information system, a technological platform built, according to a participatory logic, by social researchers and practitioners “experts by experiences” to meet the recognized need for social innovation in the field of vulnerable children’s protection. From a procedural perspective, social workers who tested the informational system have considered it an innovative best practice supporting them in decision-making processes and interventions’ planning concerning the single case. Moreover, from a scientific standpoint, using social indicators and standardized assessment questionnaire could promote new research lines and evidence-based knowledge regarding practices’ effectiveness. Despite some limits that should be overcome in a final version of the system, the instrument proved its effectiveness both to support outcome’s evaluation research and guide social workers practicesn and represents a useful device to prevent and contrast children institutionalization.