Problematization of the “social space” category in sociology

The article is devoted to the problem of forming a conceptual-categorical apparatus in the field of social topography and reveals the dynamics of problematization of the category “social space” in sociology. The logic of the movement of the research focus in the spatial concepts created by G. Simmel, P. Sorokin and P. Bourdieu are explicated. The ratio of the material and non-material sides of space is analyzed, and the question of the relationship between social structure and spatial forms is considered. With the assistance of R. Carnap and H. Lefebvre’s theoretical schemes are represented two opposite views of meaning of “social” in the spatial study. The dividing of concepts of physical, geometrical and social space is submitted. The ontological and epistemological aspects of the explored phenomenon are explicated. The two approaches to social space definition are outlined. The first of them supposes a focus on social interaction and co-presence social actors, the second one supposes social practice in the broadest sense. The author’s definition is designed.

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