Cosmopolitan nuances in classical sociology: Reshaping conceptual frameworks

Abstract

This article proposes to give voice to the argument that prospects a cosmopolitan vision of society by reading between the lines of classical sociological thought. This vision, neither manifest nor intentional, is, however, unequivocally present. In particular, the article analyses fragments of writings from Tönnies, Marx, Durkheim and Simmel, wherein each author’s underlying approach to cosmopolitanism clearly emerges: liberal (Marx and Tönnies), patriotic (Durkheim) and relational (Simmel). Contributing to the cosmopolitan historical narrative, the analysis shows that a classical sociology of cosmopolitanism effectively exists and that, if revisited, certain analytical categories of sociological tradition can be fruitfully adapted to contemporary society. This article does not envisage a rejection of the founding fathers of classical sociology; on the contrary, it endorses a more profound analysis of their works.