Simmel: The Significant Role Of The Stranger In Society

Simmel explains the significant role of the stranger in society. The stranger can be viewed as someone who “comes today and stays tomorrow.” This implies, that the stranger has a fleeting role in society and is on a different level from the rest. Although the stranger is in close proximity to others, he is mentally far away. Simmel thinks the stranger to be lonely, dissatisfied and mentally displaced. The stranger appears to be stuck in the gray areas of life wherever he visits. Regardless of the estrangement from others, the stranger is an integral part of society.
The stranger gives light to the phrase “closeness and remoteness.” The stranger’s remoteness indicates that he is far and his closeness indicates his physical proximity to others.
The stranger has no specific place in any of these societies nor does he have any actual obligations, nonetheless, his presence is felt and his voice is heard through his insights and perspectives and how society applies them. This leads to a change, be it good or bad, within whatever society he is in. Simmel goes in further to explain the connection between people and the aspects of relationships and love. For example, Simmel claims that a person may find a special relationship with someone and believe that they found “the one.” But then what if that same love was found at a different time, in a different place, with a completely different person? It could be said that the same love and adoration could be found with him or her. Love is a universal attribute that many people want and/or have. Where relationships are concerned, they seem to be more general to society than they are specific to individuals. The essence of the stranger is in trade. With trade, the stranger has the ability to travel and share his views on a broader level. Because he is a stranger, he will always be able to trade new insights and perspectives to others because he has limited restrictions against him. The stranger has the pleasure of being completely free of anyone or anything; He is the epitome of a