Simmel et l'approche sociologique de l'environnement

Abstract

Simmel’s work shows an abundance of reflections on interactions between natural and social phenomena, interactions which are characteristic of environment’s contemporary questions. Does it mean that he is a pioneer in environment’s sociological study? If we consider that German sociologist’s conceptual contributions, notably through his approach of social forms, of space and also of nature, it is clear that Simmel's thought can support some developpements in environmental sociology. Meanwhile, this article shows that Simmel influenced both of the founder streams in environmental sociology, U.S. human ecology and French social morphology. Recounting Simmel’s cognitive and socio-historical contribution for environmental sociology, we will participate in actualising simmelian studies while favouring the institutionalisation of environmental sociology.