Abstract
The relationship between form (the structure of a work or medium used) and content (the essence of a work or message conveyed) has garnered much attention from researchers in various fields including sociology, communication, art, film, religion, and philosophy. Among these researchers, Georg Simmel in sociology and Marshall McLuhan in communication provide a resourceful conceptual framework to inform students of communication technologies. One of Georg Simmel’s most notable ideas is how social forms dictate content produced in social interaction (Simmel, 1950, 1972). Social forms such as weddings, funerals, or press conferences with athletic coaches and players, mandate the content of the interaction. In a wedding, the father of the bride, the groom and the best man, all make wedding speeches that are sweet, sentimental, and humorous. In a funeral service, the eulogy delivered is always heartfelt and in praise of the deceased. Dealing with the media, coaches and players all observe the rules to be positive and optimistic, and never air the dirty laundry in public by throwing other coaches and teammates “under the bus.” Noticing how social forms informed the content of
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
