Bureaucracy is a stylized model of society’s positional structure

Evidence

This image of general society finds a small-scale analogy (infinitely simplified and stylized) in bureaucracy. A bureaucracy consists of a certain order of positions, of a predetermined system of functions. It exists as an ideal structure, irrespective of the particular occupants of these positions. Every new entrant finds within it a clearly defined place which has waited for him, so to speak, and to which his individual talents must be suited. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 189

Categorization

• XREF: Bureaucratic logic of occupying predetermined positions parallels Lofland’s categories for strangers — both abstract individual uniqueness into slots. — connects to: In social games players perform the very structure of society itself — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 379; Society operates as a complex formation structured in dominance with relative institutional autonomy; A set of individuals can be society to varying degrees. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 51 (+8 more)

Related

• Every society develops its own solution to the problem of bureaucratic control. (similarity 0.81)
• In social games players perform the very structure of society itself (similarity 0.80)
• Social formations form complex unities structured in dominance rather than expressive identities. (similarity 0.80)

Broader Connections

• Society operates as a complex formation structured in dominance with relative institutional autonomy #expands (0.70)
• Ideological positions reproduce social positions in transfigured form. #expands (0.60)
• Social types can embody an all-dominating orientation to the world #exemplifies (0.55) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 157
• A set of individuals can be society to varying degrees. #qualifies (0.50) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 51